







lal 


.,. .-.. -:;,,,».;,■, 




HI 

ill 11 


In 1 

:ipl 


he I : 


it of th« 

deal 


! 

| 

1th 

1 


. 


wiiMMiwmTOJiaimHH 








• V<£> 











& 
s 






. . 




r" ;, v 


,.r inp 


1 1 




- - 7 

! 5* 


1 ill i 












Book oW /%5 



Copyright If, 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




HOWARD FOSTER WRIGHT 



SPIRITUAL HEALTH 



IN THE 

Light of the Principles of 
Physical Health 



By 
HOWARD FOSTER WRIGHT, D. B., M. D., D. O. 



AUTHOR OF 

"Two Ways," 

"The Place of Women in the 

Early Church," Etc. 



THE SHAKESPEARE PRESS, 

114-116 East 28th Street, 

New York. 

1913. 



T?L^oi 



Copyright, 1913, 

BY 

HOWARD F. WRIGHT. 
El Paso, Texas. 



©CI.A351712 



To 

my wife: to whose 

appreciative hearing, inspiring 

suggestions and ivise criticisms, many of 

my best efforts with tongue and pen 

are due, I most gratefully 

inscribe this 

volume. 



PREFACE 

The author's experience in the ministry and in 
the medical profession has led him to pursue lines 
of thought which have been most beneficial to him 
and which he thinks will be of great benefit to 
others. The principles of physical healing were 
deeply impressed upon him when ministering to 
the physical needs of patients, and, when entering 
the pulpit, these same principles, together with laws 
pertaining to them, stood out most conspicuously 
in the spiritual realm. 

Being inspired by the vision thus beheld, he 
looked long and earnestly, and principles, but vague- 
ly seen before, appeared as golden chains holding 
orderly and forcibly together healing powers for 
the bodies and souls of men. 

At the same time he was gratefully reminded of 
the surpassing benefits he and millions of others 
have received from Prof. Drummond's great book, 
"Natural Law in the Spiritual World." He saw that 
the world would be vastly benefited by investigat- 
ing a similar line of thought on the subject, "Spirit- 
ual Health in the Light of the Principles of Physical 
Health," or "Therapeutic Principles in Physical and 
Spiritual Healing." 

Unusual opportunities have been given the 
author to investigate the various fields of knowledge 
pertaining to this subject. Only the belief that he has 



6 PREFACE— Gont. 

been granted these privileges to serve a most bene- 
ficent purpose has induced him to attempt so great 
a task as that thus set before him. 

Wishing to reach not only physicians and minis- 
ters, but the masses also, the use of medical terms 
has been avoided as much as possible. Doubtless 
the benefits obtained by the laity by reading such a 
book as this will be more extensive than that person- 
ally realized by ministers and physicians. Many 
of the principles the people will be able to apply to 
themselves vastly to the benefit of body and soul. 
Others will have to be applied by physicians and 
ministers exclusively. Individually, the physicians 
will be most fully benefited. 

Hoping that some better works on this subject 
will follow from more capable pens, 
I am Sincerely Yours, 

HOWARD FOSTER WRIGHT, 
El Paso, Texas, May 28, 1913. 



CONTENTS 

Chapter I. The Essential Unity of Measures in 
behalf of Physical and Spiritual Health. The uni- 
fying of various forces is taking place extensively 
today and, when natural, is most beneficial. The 
uniting of the efforts of physicians and ministers 
is quite natural. The means of bringing about this 
union. These means have not been at hand till 
today. Observing the modern channels of thought 
has revealed the fact that the principles and laws of 
the physical realm are likewise those of the spiritual 
and that we can act more efficiently in the one 
sphere when well acquainted with the other. We 
have but touched the border-land of this Caanan 
of physical and spiritual blessings. Now is the time 
to take possession of this land of promise, (pp. 13-20) 
II. Principles Observed from Causes of Disease 
Processes. Remove causes whenever and wherever 
found. A heart inclined to evil must be replaced 
by one inclined to godliness. In removing causes 
of both physical and spiritual ailments it is im- 
portant that we graduate the means used to the 
needs of the particular case. How to develop 
ability to do this. Multiple causes require multiple 
remedies, or a remedy with various combative 
forces. Imparting to people a proper conception 
of God, with all his attributes clearly revealed, 
brings remedies to bear most effectively upon 



8 CONTENTS— Gont. 

spiritual diseases with various causes. Preventive 
measures take first rank in the science of thera- 
peutics. Promoting timely and normal development 
of all physical organs and their functions prevents 
many diseases ; likewise, such spiritual development 
prevents many spiritual ailments. Certain organs 
must be given a sufficient opportunity to develop 
normally at the proper time else they will never so 
develop. That an organ may develop healthfully 
and have the maximum resistance to disease it must 
not be permitted to functionate below, or beyond, 
its structural adaptation. Keeping the power of pas- 
sive resistance and active defense up to the maxi- 
mum. The harmonious exercise of all the faculties 
of body and soul. The transmutation of superflu- 
ous lower energies into higher activities. Since ab- 
normal temperature causes abnormal psychical 
states and abnormal deeds, these should be pre- 
vented by preserving as equable a temperature as 
possible. Poisonous substances, removed, or neu- 
tralized. The elaboration of antitoxins encouraged. 
Diseases psychically caused, psychically treated. 
Expect good and not evil. Imparting the conviction 
of power. The power of self-control. The law of 
similia. Its application to the soul. Normal nerve 
impulses to organs essential to their health. Nor- 
mal spiritual impulses are essential to spiritual 
health. (pp. 21-51) 

III. Principles Observed from Structural Changes 
in Tissues During Disease Processes. Keep the 



CONTENTS— Gont. 9 

destructive processes down to the minimum. Check 
tissue-destroying processes by measures which 
marshal and reenforce rather than supplant the vital 
forces of the organism. The sparks of divinity in 
souls should be treated as these vital forces in the 
body. Don't cause a pathological condition to get 
a physiological action. Don't "do evil that good 
may come." Produce, whenever possible, a phy- 
siological condition by a physiological process. 
Likewise, produce proper spiritual functioning by 
scientifically prescribing the spiritual nourishment 
needed. Amputate a worthless member whenever 
there is no hope of restoring it. To develop an 
organ, or its function, its physiological stimulus is 
required. The stimuli needed to draw out the 
powers of the soul. Diseased tissue will return to 
the normal if the abnormal is removed soon enough. 
That restoration may take place fully we need to 
see that the part affected has a normal nerve and 
blood supply. Need of the blood of Christ. As 
trophic influences pass over nerves from various 
nerve centers promoting nutrition in every part of 
the body, so nourishing influences may reach the 
souls of men from many spiritual centers receiving 
nourishment themselves from the Spirit of God. 
That an organ may recover to the best advantage 
and develop most fully, we need to develop the 
organs upon which it depends. Every physical 
system and every religious system is dependent upon 
other systems for normal development. Cleanse a 



10 CONTENTS— Gont. 

diseased part as thoroughly as possible without ir- 
ritating so much as to counterbalance the benefits of 
the cleansing. Properly graduating rest and exer- 
cise. The more complex an organ, the more pains- 
taking, diligent, and continuous must be our efforts 
to accomplish restoration. The restoration of the 
soul depends upon the most numerous and complex 
conditions. (pp. 52-77) 

IV. Principles Observed from Symptoms Mani- 
fested. Relieving pain of the body, or the soul, by 
suppressive measures. The means of relieving 
pain should be modified according to the needs of 
the particular case. Take advantage of quiescent- 
stages in diseases. Quiescent periods of the soul 
follow periods of waywardness. Instituting treat- 
ment in the incipient stage of a disease. Altering 
the kind of activity by altering the physiological or 
spiritual stimulus. When healing flags stimulate 
by means best adapted to the particular case, by 
cautery if necessary. Cauterizing rebukes and burn- 
ing accusations in spiritual healing. Favorably 
modifying the action of internal organs by reflex 
action. Reflex influences on souls. In order to get 
organs to work normally we must get them to work 
somehow, since any work means chemical change 
and may mean active nutritive renovation. Spirit- 
ual changes and renovations of the soul. Peripher- 
al stimulation preventing atrophy. Arresting hem- 
orrhage and checking the loss of faith. Developing 
the maximum resisting power to losing blood and 
to losing faith. Forced feeding in diseases wasting 



CONTENTS— Cont. 11 

tissues and spiritual faculties. Especially develop- 
ing the tracts of the nervous system upon which 
life depends and especially developing faith and 
repentance. Vicarious actions, physical and spirit- 
ual, (pp. 78-104) 
V. Principles Observed from Bedside Observa- 
tions of the sick. It is important to see clearly and 
quickly and to strike directly, without being ham- 
pered by preconceived ideas and prearranged plans, 
when before the afflicted. We should not relax our 
vigilance when the patient assures us listlessly that 
he feels better and still appears indifferent in regard 
to the outlook for the future. Galling into use the 
various functions of a shattered nervous system in 
the order of their natural development aids greatly 
in restoring health. Never opiate an infant, physic- 
ally or spiritually. True sympathy in physical 
and spiritual ministrations. Structural adaptation 
and gradually increasing functional activity. Gradu- 
ally decreasing exercises that atrophy may not fail. 
Functional activity determining structural condi- 
tions. Retaining health and readily becoming 
adapted to a changing environment. Adjusting the 
organism to the environment whenever possible. 
Adjusting the environment to the organism when- 
ever necessary. Using therapeutic measures in- 
creasing pleasure compared to using those causing 
pain. Curing certain diseases by certain rays of 
light and certain spiritual ailments by certain rays 
of spiritual energy. Individualization of treatment 
essential to success. (pp. 105-135) 



CHAPTER I 

THE ESSENTIAL UNITY OF MEASURES IN BEHALF OF 
PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

Unifying forces today are being exerted on every 
hand. Many stores have come under one roof and 
assumed the name, department store. Many interests 
in one line have united and been called a trust. 
Railroads have frequently put several lines together 
and called the union a trunk-line. In all these, and 
in many similar instances, the union has resulted 
in increased efficiency, prosperity and happiness. 
However, the more natural the union, the greater 
the blessings resulting therefrom. The union that 
we are about to advocate is so natural that there 
has been a spontaneous drawing together of its var- 
ious forces even when the hindrances to this union 
have been but partly removed. Today such hin- 
drances can be taken away more fully than ever be- 
fore, greatly to the welfare of the race. 

That the uniting of the efforts of physicians and 
ministers for the welfare of the body and the soul 
of the afflicted is natural, and spontaneous, is evi- 
denced by the fact that in the early history of prac- 
tically every nation the physician and the prophet 
have been one. Today, more than at any other 
period, there is being manifested a like inclination 
to union, but with strong indications of very much 
better results — as much better, in fact, as the modern 



14 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

department store is better than the little country 
general store. In the more recent institutions, i. e. 
the department store, articles are put together ac- 
cording to a well established order, indeed, in ac- 
cord with definite principles. Can physicians and 
ministers act together according to such principles? 
Should even the same laws govern the one that 
govern the other? One supreme law enlightens us 
much in reference to this matter. It is the Law of 
Continuity. "As the Natural Laws are continuous 
through the universe of matter and of space, so they 
will be through the universe of spirit." Physicians, 
being led onward in harmony with these natural 
laws when ministering to the body, will enter the 
spiritual realm with a bound of enthusiasm, and 
will inspiringly point out the ways of progress to 
the physicians of souls. They will lock arms 
together. The doctors will enthusiastically bound 
upward into the spiritual realm with the ministers 
and the ministers will joyfully go down into the 
physical realm with the doctors, — go arm in arm 
along the avenues of scientific, inspiring ministra- 
tions to the physically ailing, and lead the phy- 
sician, in accord with the Law of Continuity, 
happily along the same avenues to spiritual heights 
most inspiring, enlightening and ennobling. 

The means of bringing about such an efficient 
cooperation as that which we are advocating are 
closely allied to those observed in establishing a suc- 
cessful department store. Many channels of trade 



THE ESSENTIAL UNITY 15 

must lead to, and many open before, the manager 
of such a store. Many avenues of knowledge must 
lead to, and many from, the man who would suc- 
cessfully establish an effective and scientific co- 
operation of ministrations in behalf of the bodies 
and souls of mankind. He must be in a most recep- 
tive, though sufficiently critical, mental attitude 
toward all medical and religious teachings, and so 
related to the various channels through which those 
thoughts are expressed, as to receive them in their 
best form. He must be as closely and vitally related 
to the means of presenting thoughts to the thinking 
world as the great business firm is closely in touch 
with the means of delivery of its goods. Having 
thus become advantageously adjusted, yet being 
conscious of the unfortunate limitations of his own 
ability, he will, on the whole, take but a general 
view of the field of operations, leaving the details to 
others. He will cause the many who cooperate with 
him to work according to a well developed system, 
indeed, according to well established laws. 

Not until today's commercial avenues were 
opened, could the modern department store exist; 
not until today's avenues of knowledge were opened, 
could the scientific unifying of physical and spirit- 
ual ministrations exist. Only yesterday, did Koch 
and his co-laborers definitely demonstrate the bac- 
terial origin of certain diseases. Scientific investi- 
gation of the merits of the substances claimed to 
have healing powers was reserved for the Nine- 



16 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

teenth Century, and has today reached positive 
knowledge of but few curative agents. Dr. Hahne- 
mann began his homeopathic work within the 
memory of men now living. Dr. A. T. Still yet lives 
to impress upon us the importance of scientifically 
using the healing forces innate to the body by re- 
moving the lesions hindering normal nerve and 
blood supply to the parts diseased. Dr. Du Bois has 
but recently given us his valuable books presenting 
the results of his original scientific investigation and 
application of suggestive therapeutics, while the Im- 
manuel Movement, most effectively applying sug- 
gestive means of healing scientifically (where Chris- 
tian Science applied them unscientifically), is only 
about a decade old. 

Observing these modern channels of thought has 
revealed the fact that the principles and laws of the 
physical realm are likewise those of the spiritual, 
and that we can act the more efficiently in the one 
sphere by being well acquainted with the other. 
Indeed, before many of these facts were revealed, 
Prof. Henry Drummond fully and definitely demon- 
strated that the forces both in the universe of matter 
and of spirit act according to the same laws. In 
view of facts revealed since his contributions to 
knowledge, we see practical and inspiring revela- 
tions leading us to still greater heights in accord 
with nature's laws. He led us through the natural 
sciences to spiritual thoughts. Today we should 
be led through the medical sciences, all those con- 



THE ESSENTIAL UNITY 17 

tributing to the health of the body, to the health of 
the soul. In going thus further than Prof. Drum- 
mond, may we be certain that the laws of the lower 
realm are likewise those of the higher? Un- 
questionably we may have this assurance. The two 
realms coordinate. In spheres so related, nature's 
forces always move on to the higher in accord with 
the laws previously manifested, and frequently in 
accord with other laws. Confidence in this line is 
attained by considering the law of continuity, the 
expression of that "Divine veracity in nature which 
is the assurance of the Governor of the universe that 
he will not put us to permanent intellectual confu- 
sion." 

We can reason from the physical to the spiritual, 
then, with the positive assurance that when we step 
from the lower realm to the higher in accord with 
the forces previously observed, we shall find them 
acting as they previously acted. Thus, we, laymen 
and ministers, shall receive valuable suggestions, 
yea, positive knowledge in regard to ministering to 
the spiritual needs of ourselves and our fellows, and 
we shall likewise know much better how to obtain 
and retain physical health. 

If the objection should be made that in applying 
principles of healing we are simply dealing with 
laws of action, not natural laws, we reply that these 
are linked together inseparably by the bonds of 
nature. Principles must be in accord with and 
based upon natural law. True, physicians have 



18 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

voiced and acted upon so-called principles not hav- 
ing this substantial basis and not thus linked to the 
forces of nature; but the demand of the age for 
rational therapeutics is enabling us to see wherein 
physicians of past ages have failed because of not 
acting in accord with natural laws. Today we re- 
quire rational therapeutics, free from empiricism. 

Blind faith is ceasing to characterize physicians 
and patients. Some years ago Pres. Patton of 
Princeton University was addressing an audience 
on "Faith." He spoke of the blind faith that 
patients have in entrusting themselves to the care 
of physicians. "Oftener than not you don't know 
what he is giving you. He tells you to take it." 
"Yours not to reason why; yours but to do and die." 
Seriously, many have died because physicians them- 
selves have not sufficiently "reasoned why." Now, 
we must not only know why we use certain means 
of healing in view of the results following, but also, 
how the results are obtained. 

Yes, in accord with the scientific, rational thera- 
peutics of today, we may be certain that not only 
the laws, but also the principles of the therapeutics 
of the body are applicable likewise to measures in 
behalf of the health of the soul. 

Applying the principles and laws of the one 
sphere to the other, certainly will lead us to a re- 
markable Gaanan of physical and spiritual bless- 
ings. We have touched the border of this land of 
promise — but only the border. Prof. G. S. Hall says, 



THE ESSENTIAL UNITY 19 

"If whatever is physiologically wrong is morally 
wrong, and whatever is physiologically right is 
morally right, we have an important ethical sugges- 
tion from somatic [bodily] conditions. But a glimpse 
of one suggestion is here given. What others are 
there? What practical applications of them can 
we make? 

Various reasons have kept us out of this Gaanan. 
We certainly have been too exclusive in our observa- 
tions and consequently in our activities. Robert 
McDonald was right when he said "Concerning the 
therapeutic agencies for both the body and the soul, 
there has been too much emphasis upon materia 
medica, on the one hand, and materia religia on the 
other." 

Another reason for our lack of progress is that 
we have not seen our opportunity clearly enough. 
One of our most progressive scientists, De Fleury, 
felt this when he said " The modern doctor must un- 
derstand the pathology and hygiene of the intellect." 
But the fields of psycho-physiology and psycho- 
therapeutics are as yet almost untouched. The 
two latter sciences imply the reaching up to the 
spiritual for health to the body. But little even of 
this has been done. The reaching down scientif- 
ically, from the spiritual to the physical, for health 
to the soul, has been little more than dreamed of. 
Not only have we not seen our opportunity as clearly 
as we ought, but we have failed to see how to make 
the best use of it. Prof, George A. Goe saw as far 



20 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

as any in the lines before us when he said concern- 
ing the period of adolescence, "The deeper question- 
ing as to the meaning of life, together with the 
blossoming of the social instinct, brings the need of 
new and more deeply personal realization of the 
content of religion." A good and scientific revela- 
tion is this ; but a thousand more as good, and some 
better, lie before us. In coordinating these that are 
so naturally bound together, we certainly ought to 
make as much better use of each one as we can to 
a far greater advantage use each telephone of a sys- 
tem connecting all people in a community, than we 
can of one connecting but two people. 

At the entrance to the land of Gaanan we are. 
Shall we press forward to the blessings before us? 
Certainly we shall do so some time. Leading 
thinkers, nature and God are urging us onward. 
Shall we enter today? Unquestionably we ought to. 
We have been led thus far for this purpose. The 
wilderness of unsettled principles, inferior material 
and spiritual food and stagnation, await us without. 
Within, these evils will be left behind and unsur- 
passed blessings will be ours. 



CHAPTER II 

PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES OF DISEASE 
PROCESSES 

A physician should plan his treatment in view 
of the causes of the disease, the abnormal condition 
of the diseased tissues, the symptoms manifested 
and the special bedside observations of the sick. 
Neglecting to consider the disease and to lay out a 
plan of treatment from these various viewpoints is 
the cause of most failures in handling diseases. 
There is even a school of medicine which considers 
almost exclusively symptomatic indications for 
treatment; another, causal indications, and we who 
frown upon sectarianism in practice are far too 
prone to lose sight of the valuable indications for 
treatment from one or more of these suggestive 
vantage grounds. 

Do the physicians of souls likewise fall short in 
their ministrations because of insufficient breadth 
of view? Unquestionably. Few ministers have 
even considered the needs of souls from these var- 
ious viewpoints. Others, because of sectarian pre- 
judice, fail of using all the God-given means for the 
development of souls into his likeness. 

We believe that by pursuing the line of thought 
now before us, all who minister to our welfare, 
laymen as well as physicians and preachers, will be 
led to reach out more widely and effectively to the 



22 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

means of relieving both physical and spiritual ail- 
ments and through these many others be greatly 
helped. 

First in the natural order and in importance, are 
considerations in regard to indications for curing 
ailments in view of their causes. Some doctors 
have for their motto, "Causas Cognosce," (know 
causes). A better motto could scarcely be form- 
ulated, especially for physicians. No matter what 
treatment is used to combat symptoms, if the cause 
of the disease remains, a cure will never be accom- 
plished. 

A fundamental principle of therapeutics is, re- 
move causes whenever and wherever found. We 
may, with prudence, remove them but gradually. 
Remove them, however, we must. Poisons demand 
the stomach pump, the antidote, or other means of 
freeing the system of these enemies. Bacteria de- 
mands antiseptics; impure air must be driven out 
by the pure; dietary errors must be supplanted by 
wise dietetics. Lesions hindering normal nerve and 
blood supply, likewise, must be removed. 

In ministering to souls, should we act on this 
principle? Certainly, we ought. An evil heart 
must be replaced by a godly heart. "A new heart 
will I give you and a new spirit will I put within 
you," is the message of God through his prophet of 
many centuries ago. He spoke in accord with the 
demands of modern science. Nearly all who really 
endeavor to minister to the spiritual needs of their 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 23 

fellows have been thus led to insist upon true re- 
generation. No social reforms or ethical culture 
movements which do not insist upon this need are 
scientific. Some of these aid in removing such 
causes of degeneration as erroneous conceptions of 
moral issues, but do not reach the chief cause, as 
we shall soon see clearly when considering primary 
causes. 

In removing causes of physical ailments, it is 
quite important that we graduate the means used to 
the needs of the particular case. Antiseptics too 
weak will not kill the bacteria, antiseptics too strong 
will destroy vital tissue. Doses of antitoxin of less 
than three thousand units, have but little therapeu- 
tic value: used in doses of three to ten thousand 
units, this most valuable remedy has reduced the 
death rate in diphtheria from forty to ten per cent. ; 
used in doses larger than ten thousand units, it may 
kill the patient. Osteopathic treatments, removing 
hindrances to blood and nerve supply of diseased 
organs, when judiciously given, cure; but when in- 
judiciously given, injure the patient. Experiment- 
ing has recently led to increasing the dose of anti- 
toxin, and to giving it more promptly; but to de- 
creasing the dose of tuberculin, and, with some phy- 
sicians, to the administering this remedy homeo- 
pathically. 

Graduating the means used to the spiritual needs 
of ailing souls is greatly needed. Some use measures 
far too weak. One of the most efficient evangelists, 



24 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

M. B. Williams, justly accuses ministers of using 
"chamois-skin means" of cleansing souls who re- 
quire curry-comb and brush, because of their being 
like the mule that has rolled in the dirt. His suc- 
cess and that of such disciples ofTiis as W. A. Sun- 
day, in reaching hardened, criminal souls, attests 
the value of such measures as he uses. Yet curry- 
comb measures used in cleansing childlike, sensi- 
tive souls would be most unsuccessful, and, even 
injurious. Some of these can be best reached by 
the kind, persuasive, sympathetic words of the 
gentle mother, sympathetic father, or loving friend. 

Shall we ever learn to graduate the measures 
used in behalf of souls, as accurately and effectively 
as we have graduated the doses of antitoxin, tuber- 
culin and various antidotes to poisons? Unques- 
tionably, in reference to this matter, we have a more 
difficult task. The barometer is the trained judg- 
ment of the physician of souls. This certainly is 
not characterized by mathematical accuracy. Well- 
trained and spiritually responsive, however, it may 
be most effective; its very flexibility answering a 
good purpose in gaging the needs of souls. 

Further, according to the plan of the homeopaths 
in proving drugs, we may compare the observations 
of various ministers in different environments. We 
may also compare the successes and failures of such 
ornate, calm and instructive services, as charac- 
terize the worship of the Episcopalians, with those 
of the Salvation Army. 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 25 

We may likewise consider the results of the 
work of such evangelists as Sam Jones and Billy 
Sunday, as compared to that of Dwight L. Moody 
and R. A. Torrey. The work thus suggested is by 
no means the task of a day, and the results certainly 
can not be recorded in a paragraph, such as we have 
space for in this volume, and needs to be done large- 
ly by every pastor for himself; consequently we 
drop the matter now with the earnest exhortation 
that ministers labor as diligently and as scientif- 
ically as physicians do in this line of investigation, 
and thus supply a greatly felt need in reference 
to graduating accurately the means used in behalf 
of spiritual ailments and doing so as effectively as 
Koch and his co-laborers have in reference to 
the treatment of such physical diseases as tubercu- 
losis. 

Physicians treat in view of predisposing and ex- 
citing causes. Some, however, are inclined to lose 
sight of the one or the other. Many doctors of 
the regular and homeopathic schools of medicine 
pay little attention to bony, ligamentous and muscu- 
lar lesions interfering with the normal nerve and 
blood supply to vital organs and thus predisposing 
the patient to various diseases. Osteopaths pay 
much attention to such predisposing causes as the 
lesions just mentioned, and some of them to the 
exciting causes also; but, concentrating especially 
on bony lesions, these physicians far too often fail 
of effectively combating exciting causes. 



26 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

In view of these facts we state this as an im- 
portant principle of therapy: multiple causes re- 
quire multiple remedies, or a remedy with various 
combative forces. 

In line with this idea it is well to bear in mind 
the fact that imparting to people a proper concep- 
tion of God with all his attributes clearly revealed 
brings remedies to bear most effectively upon spirit- 
ual diseases with various causes. 

The Israelitish prophets succeeding the Babylon- 
ian Captivity effectively set one of the attributes of 
God before the people when they clearly taught his 
holiness and the cognate thought, u The Lord, our 
God, is holy, therefore, be ye holy in all manner of 
living." However, because they did not impart a 
proper idea of this attribute and correlate it properly 
to the other characteristics of the Supreme Being, 
they developed a pseudo-holiness, rather than true 
godliness, which the Master had to correct by most 
strenuous measures. He did this largely by mani- 
festing in his life, and by teaching important ideas 
concerning another attribute of God, his love. Thus 
he led his disciples to go about doing good, rather 
than to isolate themselves pharisaically from the 
people needing their ministrations, and to endeavor 
most ardently to develop godliness in their hearts, 
rather than to pay primary attention to the outward 
forms of godliness. 

The problem of getting the people to see God in 
all his attributes, and causing them to be properly 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 27 

influenced thereby, is a live one today. Horace 
Fletcher has written some very helpful thoughts in 
regard to the injurious effects of fear; yet Prof. 
George E. Coe has proven, by a scientific investiga- 
tion of influences leading to conversion, that seventy 
per cent, have been converted through fear. To 
what extent then should we preach those attributes 
of God, inspiring fear, on the one hand, and, on the 
other, those inspiring love? Doubtless, sermons on 
such subjects as, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry 
God," have had their place, and before some people 
need yet to be preached. However, before other 
people it would be well to preach a week on, "The 
Love of God to Sinners." The more developed a 
people are, the less they need of the former type of 
preaching, but we need more of it today than min- 
isters usually give us. Setting God before the peo- 
ple with all his attributes properly correlated, sup- 
plies the various needs of developing true godliness. 
As the various colors, that, to a measure, delight 
the eye separately, are most harmoniously set 
together in the beautiful rainbow to entrance our 
vision, inspire our souls and woo us onward in our 
course, so the various attributes of God, that we 
behold separately with delight, may be set together 
harmoniously with most beautiful rainbow hues 
to entrance our vision, most delightfully inspire our 
souls and woo us onward to the celestial realm 
where we shall behold his unveiled glory and with 
heavenly ecstasies exclaim, "Praise God for his mar- 



28 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

velous glory and his wonderful Spirit in the hearts 
of the children of men." 

Treating diseases in view of their causes, has 
led to the effective use of important measures for 
preventing diseases, and even their eradication from 
the race. In view of the suffering prevented, the 
energy preserved, the race-development promoted, 
the financial resources gained, the happiness secured 
and the lives saved, we state that these prophylactic 
measures take first rank in the science of thera- 
peutics. 

The importance of this phase of the science of 
medicine has been so neglected heretofore, that 
more, doubtless, has been done during the present 
generations than in all the previous history of the 
race. Preventing the spread of malaria by destroy- 
ing the mosquitoes, which develop the organism that 
causes the disease, is the work of scarcely a decade; 
avoiding tubercular infections by destroying tuber- 
cle bacilli was scarcely thought of one quarter of a 
century ago, while the use of antitoxin to prevent 
diphtheritic infection from developing is but of yes- 
terday. 

Further, we are just now learning that osteo- 
pathic treatments frequently prevent the develop- 
ment of a disease by promptly removing lesions 
hindering a sufficient blood and nerve supply to 
vital organs. Scarcely any today question the su- 
preme importance of prophylactic measures against 
physical ailments. Are we as cognizant of the su- 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 29 

preme value of preventive measures in behalf of our 
spiritual welfare? Certainly many are not. Other- 
wise we would not look with the degree of allowance 
, we now do upon the youthful "sowing of wild oats :" 
we would not receive those who have committed 
these youthful sins as readily into our social circles 
and certainly, even after their conversion, we would 
not open our pulpits to them until they have proven 
by their lives that they have been truly and fully 
transformed, and are thus far beyond their previous 
moral degradation. The readiness of many to com- 
mit youthful follies, and the inclination of many 
more to wink at these, causes us to believe that a 
large percentage of the people do not realize how 
injurious these are for time and eternity. As a bud 
once eaten by a worm can never develop into as 
beautiful a flower as it otherwise would, so a youth- 
ful life, once invaded by unchastity, can never blos- 
som into the noble soul his latent talents otherwise 
would have produced. Prophylactic measures, in- 
deed, are the acme of the therapeutics of the body; 
but, compared to such measures in behalf of the soul, 
are as the earth is to heaven. 

Promoting timely and normal development of all 
physical organs and their functions prevents many 
diseases; likewise, such spiritual development pre- 
vents many spiritual ailments. This proposition is 
self-evident, and, at first thought, may seem scarcely 
(vorth while to mention; but little do we understand 
its application, often are we unmindful of it, and 



30 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

great is the harm done because of our failing to act 
in accord with this principle. 

Consider now but a few of the specific therapeu- 
tic principles dependent upon this general one, and 
see how far we fall short in our physical ministra- 
tions. Certain organs must be given a sufficient 
opportunity to develop normally at the proper time 
else they will never so develop. This is markedly 
manifested in reference to the special development 
of girls blossoming into womanhood, and so many 
hindrances are thrown into the way of this develop- 
ment that many women are doomed to lifelong suf- 
fering, insufficient racial functioning, and even the 
welfare of the race is seriously jeopardized. Too 
much study, too close confinement, too intimate rela- 
tion of the sexes, too much reading of sickly love 
stories on the one hand, and on the other, too little 
muscular activity, too restricted outdoor freedom 
in recreative games and useful physical exercises, 
too little ennobling association of girls and boys 
under wise chaperonage, and too little reading of 
the literature of true love, have given us very many 
effete men and women and caused the early death 
of not a few. Too much spiritual meditation, com- 
paratively, too close confinement to artificial stand- 
ards of morality, too intimate relationship with an 
effeminate Christianity, too much reading of sickly 
(though spiritual) love stories on the one hand, and 
on the other, too little activity in Christlike deeds, 
and too little reading of the literature of godly love. 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 31 

have given us many effete souls, and have even 
caused the early spiritual death of many. 

That an organ may develop healthfully and have 
the maximum resistance to disease, it must not be 
permitted to functionate below or beyond its struc- 
tural adaptation. 

This matter affects the health of individuals and 
the welfare of the race so vitally and is so woefully 
disregarded today, that we feel that we must strong- 
ly reenforce the stand we have taken. Dr. Hall says, 
"Motor regimen and exercise are probably more im- 
portant during adolescence in behalf of mentality 
and sexuality and health, than during any other 
period of life." This is so, largely because of the 
fact that if we neglect to secure the development that 
may be thus gained during this important period 
it can not be obtained later in life. The principle 
thus voiced by Prof. Hall naturally leads us to state 
the fact that motor regimen and due exercise in 
godly deeds during adolescence, are more important 
in behalf of spiritual health, than in any other 
period, and should be engaged in far more than 
meditating and theorizing, however deeply spiritual 
these may be. 

Much, however, remains to be taught in reference 
to the over-exercise of the soul. A child-preacher 
far too often is hailed with delight, and he is pushed 
forward too rapidly, by zealous, but unwise Chris- 
tians. These, and many others, have become spirit- 



32 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

ually neurasthenic, tire readily in religious work, 
because of having been strained in this line. 

Keeping the power of passive resistance and 
active defense of the various organs up to the maxi- 
mum, is a most important rule in preventing 
diseases. The cells lining the digestive tract guard 
against typhoid and other diseases. Don't permit 
these cells to be destroyed by irritant cathartics, 
by an abnormal diet, or otherwise. Winking, cough- 
ing, expectorating and natural purging are some of 
the means actively defending the body from diseases. 
Let nothing hinder their normal activity. 

Paul gives us important thoughts concerning 
these two kinds of defense against the enemies of 
our souls. He says, u Take unto you the whole 
armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand 
in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." The 
whole armour of God, enabling us to accomplish 
these most desirable results, he shows us, includes 
those passively defending, the girth of truth, the 
breastplate of righteousness, the sandals hobnailed 
with the preparation of the gospel of peace, the 
shield of faith, the helmet of salvation; but he does 
not fail of calling our attention to an important in- 
strument of active defense, the sword of the Spirit, 
which is the Word of God. The psalmist says, u Thy 
word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin 
against thee." The Master himself used such means 
of defense during the hours of temptation, meeting 
every assault by a quotation from the Word. 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 33 

All the faculties of the body and the soul must 
be duly exercised for physical and spiritual health. 
Breadth of interest in the various issues of life will 
prevent and even cure many nervous diseases. Es- 
pecially is this true of such functional disorders as 
hysteria, neurasthenia and hypochondria. One 
leading specialist on such diseases reminds us of 
the surpassing value, in this connection, of the 
adage of the Romans, "Homo sum et nihil a me 
alienum puto" (I am a man and I consider nothing 
human apart from me). Hysterical women have 
been drawn out of their shell of self-absorption by 
deep, affectionate interest in children needing their 
care, and left their hysteria in the walls of their 
dark and narrow past. Neurasthenics have become 
deeply interested in some broad and ennobling voca- 
tion, e. g. scientific researches different from their 
narrow and belittling past and have gained strength 
beyond their fondest dreams. Hypochondriacs liv- 
ing in the dark basement of their selfish folly have 
been transformed from base pessimistic weaklings 
into noble optimistic stalwarts on being elevated to 
the upper story of heavenly illuminated, unselfish 
endeavor. 

Spiritually, as well as physically, "No man liveth 
unto himself," who lives long and lives well. Draw 
people out of the shell of self-absorption into the 
broad and glorious field of Christian endeavor, in 
accord with the spirit of brotherly love, and prevent 
the appearing of the globus hystericus of choking, 



34 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

imaginary offenses, the anesthesia of heartlessness, 
the hyperesthesia of quietism, indeed, the paralysis 
of the soul. Interest that timid, quavering, appar- 
ently feeble soul, in some Christian work harmon- 
izing with his native talents and get him to feel the 
force and the personal application of such promises 
as, "They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their 
strength ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles ; 
they shall run and not be weary ; and they shall walk 
and not faint." Also, help him to realize the glor- 
ious fulfillment of such promises in his going on 
from strength to strength, from grace to grace, and 
from glory to glory. Get that hypochondriac, who 
is clogging the wheels of the chariot of God by 
muckraking out of the mud-hole of follies, to lift up 
his eyes unto the hills from whence cometh our 
help ; indeed, laugh away some of his fears, get him 
to see the fundamental truth to such statements as, 

u Twixt pessimist and optimist the difference is 

droll; 
The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimist 

the hole." 

The transmutation of superfluous lower energies 
into higher activities, under some circumstances, is 
essential to health. The racial function in man 
today surpasses that of the needs of the preservation 
of the race. Under such circumstances, as G. W. 
Saleby says, we should "prove our virility by the 
transmutation of that which otherwise would be 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 35 

bestiality." To the arts, to various studies and to 
muscular efforts should this energy be directed. 
This is much more important in behalf of the wel- 
fare of the race than the control of electric energy. 
Ella Wheeler Wilcox approached this idea when she 
said, 

"By lightnings misguided destruction is hurled; 
But chained and directed they gladden the world." 

Concerning another phase of this transmutation of 
lower energies, Sheldon reminds us that predatory 
organizations culminate in American children be- 
tween eleven and fifteen years of age and suggests 
that organization of athletic societies among children 
of this age to counteract, or transmute, this barbar- 
ous energy. 

These various suggestions in regard to the trans- 
mutation of superfluous lower energies are good, 
but we must realize that they alone are not sufficient. 
The Creator has not left the lower animals subject 
to such dangers. Surely, then, he intended man to 
be supplied with an effective controlling force not 
granted to the lower species. What is this? Con- 
science? No, because this is not effective and is 
dependent upon intellectual conceptions which fre- 
quently lead downward. It must be his own Spirit, 
that God longs to impart to every human being in 
sufficient measure to transmute that energy, bring- 
ing forth such grievous "works of the flesh," as Paul 
mentioned in his letter to the Galatians, into the glor- 



36 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

ious "fruit of the Spirit." Whenever the Holy Spirit 
comes into the heart of a man, that one is exalted 
above base animal inclinations to the measure in 
which the Spirit enters. To have perfect control 
of all our faculties in accord with the will of God 
which, in other words, is in accord with our best 
interests, we need only to open our hearts fully to 
his Spirit. 

The influence of temperature upon the soul is 
being seen much more clearly today than formerly. 
In view of recently revealed facts we set forth this 
principle. Since abnormal temperature causes ab- 
normal psychical states, and abnormal deeds, these 
should be prevented by preserving as equable a tem- 
perature as possible. One scientist has said that 
"when the temperature is between 90 and 100 de- 
grees, the probability of bad conduct is increased 
three hundred per cent." Under such conditions 
people are especially inclined to suicide and to in- 
sanity. A very low temperature for a long period 
has much the same effect. One of the Eskimo boys 
accompanying Dr. Cook to the far North, said, with 
tears streaming down his cheeks, "The time has 
come to die; beyond is impossible." 

What can we do to prevent the evil effects of 
abnormal temperature upon the physical and spirit- 
ual being? Obviously, avoiding such temperature 
as largely as possible would be beneficial. Going 
from the heated shop, factory and office in the valley, 
to the mountains or seashore, certainly ought to be 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 37 

resorted to, especially when we observe such evil 
effects manifesting themselves in us. What about 
closing the churches during the heated season? 
Unquestionably they ought not to be closed for the 
entire week. Not as many services should be held, 
that the persons responsible for these may have a 
due amount of rest, but some services are greatly 
needed to combat the special evil tendencies of such 
a season. These ought to be held in as cool places 
as possible, out of doors on Sunday evenings, e. g., 
and should be entirely free from heavy, dull theolo- 
gical dissertations, and should stimulate hopeful, 
cheerful, ennobling emotions as much as possible. 
Musical services are especially helpful. Protracted 
evangelistic services can be held to a much better 
advantage during cooler seasons. The strain on 
the workers is somewhat injurious to them, and the 
increased evil inclination of the unsaved makes it 
much more difficult to reach them with the Gospel. 
What shall we say concerning abnormally high, or 
abnormally low, spiritual temperature? The Lord 
threatens to eject us if we are "neither cold nor hot;" 
but it is possible for us to be too cold, or too hot. 
Spiritual fervor without judgment led to the unfor- 
tunate asceticism that isolated from the world many 
of its noblest souls, capable of exerting a most in- 
spiring influence in behalf of mankind. The tem- 
perature of their zeal should have been modified by 
the balmy zephyrs of wisdom. Few are so zealous 
as to need any exhortations in reference to this 



38 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

matter; but some holiness bands, e. g., while still 
seeking holiness as ardently, would profit greatly 
by more wisdom. The abnormal working up of 
emotions to fever heat, would be replaced by more 
effective endeavors in going about doing good. 

Another important principle, in view of the 
causes of disease processes, is that poisonous sub- 
stances must be removed, or neutralized, as soon as 
possible. In regard to processes of suppuration a 
most important rule is, "Evacuate pus wherever and 
whenever found." In an ancient language we find 
the words, u Ubi pus, ubi incisio," and from the 
earliest days of the practice of medicine till the 
present, we find that physicians of all schools have 
recognized the wisdom of this principle. 

Physicians of souls ought to be as fully agreed 
that we should remove corrupt traits of character 
wherever and whenever found. We believe that all 
ministers worthy of the name are so agreed. How- 
ever, as we occasionally find a narrow, bigoted, un- 
scientific doctor treating pussy appendicitis by 
manipulations, suggestive therapy, or drugs, rather 
than by at once removing the pus by a surgical 
operation, so we occasionally see one professing to 
minister to the spiritual needs of the people, using 
fully as ineffective, procrastinating, disastrous 
measures in removing corrupt traits of character. 
Let us remove these wherever and whenever found. 
Let us not wink at immorality in a person because 
he is not yet converted, or is not yet developed spirit- 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 89 

ually, but exhort him at least to "Quit his mean- 
ness." When we see that judicious instruction, 
mild persuasion and calm exhortation do not suffice 
in removing the corrupt matter at once, let us not 
hesitate to use the lance of cutting rebuke. 

Some poisonous substances, because of their 
nature, their location in the system, or their union 
with other substances, can not be removed. These 
lead us to consider the fact that some poisons should 
be promptly neutralized, e. g. ammonia with vinegar, 
alkaloids with charcoal and lead with iron. 

Such neutralizing antidotes are most effective. 
Neutralizing, ennobling emotions are fully as effec- 
tive when scientifically applied to degrading 
emotions, — love for God, to the love of worldliness; 
love for a noble marital companion, to the perverted 
sexual passion; love for noble parents, children, or 
friends, to many sinful emotions. More than a 
score of other emotions capable of sustaining us 
above degrading tendencies, such as joy and hope, 
might be mentioned ; but the imparting and cultivat- 
ing of those already referred to would be sufficient. 
True love, the outpouring of the heart toward God 
and his noble people, in the various relations of life, 
carries us heavenward as on angel's wings so in- 
spiringly that we scarcely look upon the degrading 
things of life. Let us become so intimately ac- 
quainted with God and his noble followers that this 
will be our glorious experience. 



40 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

Since the antitoxins elaborated in an organism 
afflicted by a disease are true specifics against that 
disease, their functions ought to be encouraged and 
they most effectively used. Serum therapy, e. g. 
antitoxin for diphtheria and tuberculin for tuber- 
culosis, is based upon this principle. This is 
valuable; but still more important in behalf of an 
individual afflicted by, or exposed to, such a disease, 
is the developing of antitoxins in his own sys- 
tem. Perfect nutrition, stimulation of vital func- 
tions, together with a scientific use of the proper 
serum developed in other organisms, will save many 
lives. Osteopathic treatments, properly applied, aid 
much in accomplishing the objects first mentioned. 
In many cases the antitoxins elaborated in the sys- 
tem itself are sufficient to cure the disease afflicting 
the organism. This measure is safer and more per- 
manently effective than the injecting of antitoxins 
elaborated in other organisms. 

Since the antitoxic ideas elaborated in the soul, 
or in the church, afflicted by spiritual ailment, are 
true specifics against that ailment, let us do every- 
thing possible to promote the normal development 
of these ideas. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so 
is he" says the Holy Writ. This has for centuries, 
to some extent, been stimulating men to develop the 
proper ideas of life; but in view of the facts of 
science now before us concerning the absolute 
necessity of developing, by our own reasoning and 
assimilative faculties, most helpful conceptions of 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 41 

true living, we certainly should be led to use every 
faculty most effectively and continuously, in de- 
veloping within our own souls the highest ideals of 
life, and should induce others to do likewise. When- 
ever a good thought is brought before us, we should 
"catch it upon the hook of memory and twist it be- 
fore the fire of piety, thus cooking and preparing 
it for the soul's food." 

Doing so day by day, we shall develop a measure 
of immunity to every spiritual ailment. At times, 
however, we shall observe that we are especially 
in danger of becoming afflicted w 7 ith some certain 
disease of the soul. In such hours of danger, let 
us take doses of antitoxic thoughts. As the wise 
man, under like dangers to his body, promptly calls 
his physician, so we should at once call our 
minister. Certainly we should do so unless we 
know positively what means to use in our own 
behalf. Not merely predigested and assimilated 
ideas should we seek, indeed, not these chiefly; but 
we should seek to have the mechanism of our own 
mind and heart set to working in such ways as to 
elaborate such ideas of true living as will act as 
specifics against the threatened spiritual ailment. 
Would that we might develop most effectively anti- 
dotal thoughts, sufficient to ward off every obnox- 
ious influence brought to bear upon the soul. 

Consideration in regard to treating diseases in 
view of their causes would not be complete without 
considerable attention to suggestive therapy in the 



42 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

light of recent scientific investigations. Today we 
are assured of the truth of certain principles bearing 
on this important matter. 

Diseases psychically caused should be psychical- 
ly treated. All physicians who have investigated 
this subject scientifically, are agreed on this fun- 
damental principle. Dr. Albert Moll says, ''Func- 
tional neurosis is the chief field of suggestive 
therapy." Dr. Worcester, the leader of the Im- 
manuel Movement, says, "It is in the sphere of func- 
tional neuroses that suggestion finds its legitimate 
field," and he leads the people to trust God directly 
to heal such diseases. Neurasthenia, hysteria, 
hypochondria and melancholia are especially well 
handled by these methods. While applying psychic 
means of healing these diseases so manifestly func- 
tional, we must not overlook the fact that many ap- 
parently serious organic diseases are really function- 
al, e. g. hysterical paralysis. 

Nothing would contribute to the spiritual wel- 
fare of certain people as much as the recognition of 
this principle. Even in this advanced scientific age, 
many are still holding to the idea that if we but 
have due faith in God all our diseases will be cured. 
After being disappointed in reference to the healing 
of an organic physical ailment they are assailed 
with doubts in reference to God's healing the soul. 
These perplexities would not arise if we all recog- 
nized the fact that the Lord wants us to use the 
material means at our command to cure lesions in 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 43 

our material bodies, and psychical (spiritual) 
means to cure psychical lesions in our souls. The 
Bible teaches this. Paul wrote in reference to an 
organic, physical ailment, when he thus exhorted 
Timothy, "Take a little wine for thy stomach's sake 
and thine often infirmities." The proper kind of 
wine for certain kinds of stomach disorders is 
still recognized as beneficial, though we now have 
better material remedies for such organic diseases. 
Unquestionably God sanctions the use of material 
means for organic diseases, otherwise biblical 
authors are wrong, nature is contradictory, and God 
does not honor the scientific application of means 
he has given, nor the conscientious use of the 
noblest faculties of the best physicians. Here, as 
elsewhere, we must recognize and act in accord 
with the fact that "Man's extremity is God's oppor- 
tunity." It is not a question of what God can do, 
but what he, acting consistently, really does. 

What does he do in reference to functional dis- 
orders? In these we have psychical diseases need- 
ing psychical treatment, of the highest order, to 
secure health, consequently we need the Supreme 
Soul (Psyche). We may pray with perfect con- 
fidence then, that the Holy Spirit will enter our souls 
most fully, and, if we are willing to have our souls 
harmonize with him in all respects, he will heal the 
spiritual, or mental, lesions and thus give us health. 
In this matter we simply go a step further than the 
leading physicians using psychic measures, and set 



44 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

forth more scientifically all that is of value in Chris- 
tian Science and Divine Healing, and chord with the 
Immanuel Movement. 

What should we do to cause psychic forces, in- 
cluding the Supreme Soul, to act most effectively in 
behalf of those afflicted with abnormal conditions, 
of the mind and heart, most grievously affecting the 
body? Let us now recognize the fact that "The 
thought of a function tends to bring on that function 
and the thought of its contrary tends to inhibit it. 
We all have personally known of cases similar to 
that recorded by Dr. Goe. He mentions a woman, 
living in the days when people held conscientious 
convictions against heated churches, who objected 
to having a stove in the church and who said she 
knew she would faint if there ever were a fire in the 
house of God. After the stove was set up she 
fainted according to her expectations, notwithstand- 
ing the fact that there was yet no fire in the heater. 
Induce all, then, to expect good and not evil. Lead 
the people to see that God is Love, that he is merci- 
ful, gracious and long suffering toward men. 

How important spiritually it is that we expect 
the best! Young converts frequently have to listen 
to many testimonies of feeble Christians concerning 
their spiritual ailments, and but few testimonies of 
successes. Being thus led to expect many falls in 
their experiences, is it any wonder that many come? 
Far better would it be for them to listen to many 
testimonies of successes and to testimonies of fail- 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 45 

ures only that they may not be entirely discouraged 
when they, perchance, fall, and that they may be 
directed to the means of succeeding. 

Imparting the conviction of power is essential 
to successful suggestive therapy. Especially is this 
true concerning the treatment for neurasthenia. 
Fatiguability is a characteristic of the patients with 
this disease. The fatigue often is due, not to a real 
exhaustion, but to the idea of exhaustion. Conse- 
quently, the eviction of this idea and a normal con- 
viction of power, are needed to effectually counter- 
act this abnormal state. Dr. Costa de Lagrave, him- 
self a neurasthenic, says, that when he was pos- 
sessed of the auto-suggestion of power, he walked 
seven miles without fatigue and otherwise he would 
have been exhausted on walking a few blocks. Es- 
pecially did auto-suggestion affect his mental func- 
tion. He could write for hours at a time, propor- 
tionately to the strength of his auto-suggestion of 
power of endurance; otherwise writing a few 
minutes greatly fatigued him. 

That the conviction of power is fundamental to 
an healthful spiritual life, certainly was taught by 
the Great Physician, and he acted in accord with 
this principle when he said, u Ye shall receive power 
w T hen the Holy Ghost is come upon you." Lest 
some may think that this pow y er is not for young 
converts, we call attention to the fact that shortly 
after the Seventy were converted the Master sent 
them out with power far surpassing their expecta- 



46 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

tions, all that was needed. Spiritual neurasthenics 
cover all Christendom because physicians of souls 
have not imparted the conviction of power as ef- 
fectively as the Great Physician did to those per- 
sonally before him. Yes, we do teach the words 
of the Master, concerning power, but we immediate- 
ly follow them with suggestions of weakness. Christ 
never was so untrue to the principles of spiritual 
strength. When a disciple, e. g. Peter, fell, he, at 
the earliest opportunity, encouraged and gave a 
commission requiring greater power than any pre- 
viously given, implying that surpassing power 
would be his. 

Before leaving the causal indications for treat- 
ment we certainly ought to express some facts con- 
cerning the u law of similia." We may justly ques- 
tion the fitness of the use of the term, law, in refer- 
ence to "similia similibus curantur." It is not 
characterized by the invariability of application, 
that is a distinguishing feature of laws. As a prin- 
ciple, it certainly is worthy of consideration. Not 
only the homeopaths, but all advocating serum 
therapy recognize its value. Tuberculin, e. g., the 
sheet anchor of the regulars in tuberculosis, is prac- 
tically the same as the bacillinum of the homeo- 
paths. Both, indeed, are of much value in the 
treatment of this disease. 

Spiritually, though at first it may seem other- 
wise, Bacon's idea chords with the principle of 
similia, he says, "I dare affirm, in the knowledge of 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 47 

nature, that a little natural philosophy and the first 
entrance into it, doth dispose to the opinion of 
atheism; but on the other side, much natural phil- 
osophy and wading deep into it, will bring about 
men's minds to religion." As the homeopaths 
highly potentize those agents which cause diseases 
and, by properly graduated doses, cure these 
diseases; so, by w r ading deeply into science, the 
mind may reach the Spiritual Essence, God him- 
self, back of all science, and thus attain spiritual 
health. Darwin saw that there must be an "impond- 
erable force" back of the forces observed in nature, 
else there could be no evolution. Seeing this fact 
and then reading such works as Bowne's Theism 
certainly should lead any candid mind to see that 
this Imponderable Force is the God of revealed reli- 
gion, and any heart, at all inclined to worship, 
would thus become devoted to him. 

Normal nerve impulses must be supplied to 
organs to preserve their health. This implies that 
the various nerve centers must be in a healthful 
condition. Centers, both in the brain and in the 
cord, may be so affected by tumors, by congestions, 
by anemas, by toxins, and by other abnormal condi- 
tions, that it is impossible for the organs governed 
by them to functionate normally. In the various 
forms of paralysis it is especially important to ex- 
amine these centers for diseased states, rather than 
the nerves themselve. In such constitutional 
diseases as diabetes, high nerve centers, governing 



48 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

such vital organs as the liver, may be deranged and 
even skin diseases may be due to abnormal condi- 
tions of nerve centers. 

"Christ is the head of the body, the church." In 
Him are its supreme centers. He is never at fault. 
However, as poisonous substances pass up through 
the blood to brain centers causing thus abnormal 
functioning in various parts of the body, so abnor- 
mal emotions, desires and petitions may go up from 
our hearts to the Supreme One, resulting in other 
than the noblest in us. During the various persecu- 
tions, the petitions of the Catholics against the Prot- 
estants and the Protestants against the Catholics, cer- 
tainly were of such a nature. We will be led aright 
when we pray aright. When we pray with a ming- 
ling of right and w 7 rong desires, we w 7 ill be led aright 
in proportion to the strength of the right desires. 
With this qualification, Dr. A. J. Gordon's statement 
is in accord with facts when he says, "If we prayer- 
fully and earnestly seek to be guided by the Spirit of 
God we may be so led, though we may not know it 
till afterwards. The spirit within a believer will 
rather incline him in the right way than say plainly 
to the inner ear, 'this is the way; walk ye in it.' " 

Since various nerve centers along the cord 
govern various vital functions and these centers act 
according to their condition, and the sum total of 
their stimuli we must remove the various causes of 
the abnormal conditions of these centers and the 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 49 

hindrances to the reception of normal impulses by 
them. 

At the seventh cervical and first, second and third 
dorsal vertebrae, is the spinal center controlling the 
heart's action. The nerves increasing the heart's 
action are especially influenced at this point. The 
author has had the privilege of reducing the heart- 
beat from more than one hundred and twenty to 
normal in three to five minutes by giving an in- 
hibitory osteopathic or spondylotherapic treatment 
in this area. Lack of normal movements in the ar- 
ticulations here may cause a venous congestion in 
this area abnormally affecting this cardiac center 
and, through it, the action of the heart. As much 
might be said concerning the various spinal nerve 
centers and the organs governed by them. 

What are the lower spiritual centers? Unques- 
tionably they are the various religious organizations 
and the individuals shaping their policy and deter- 
mining their spirituality. As lack of freedom of 
movement of vertebrae may lead to congestions, 
causing thus abnormal functioning of nerve centers 
and, through them, of vital organs, so churches, 
hampered by a restrictive creedal statement of for- 
mer ages, and pastors, hampered by an unhealthy 
conservatism, cause abnormal spiritual functioning. 
Jews, from the pharisaism of the time of Christ to 
the present retarding of the progress of the liberals 
by the ultra-conservatists, have been thus injurious- 
ly affected. The "Hard-shell Baptists," though 



50 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

without a formal statement of creed, have thus been 
inactive and inefficient. Between these are many 
churches and pastors of meager development and 
lessened usefulness. Back to the glorious freedom 
and broadly ennobling inspiration of the teachings 
of Christ, let us go. 

Since painful and other impressions, applied to 
a nerve at a part of low sensibility in close central 
connection with a part of much higher sensibility, 
exert their greatest influence in the parts of higher 
sensibility, rather than in the parts of lower sensi- 
bility to which the stimulus is applied, we should 
see that abnormal conditions, existing along the 
course of the nerves disturbed, are removed, as well 
as those at the seat of the disturbance itself. When 
the sciatic nerve pains in the foot, at the knee, or 
elsewhere in its course it is well to make investiga- 
tions at the hip, sacral and lower lumbar regions. 
A muscle may be contracting on the nerve, or it may 
be impinged on by other tissues ; or a tumor may be 
developing on the nerve. When there is pain at 
the lower end of the stomach and this organ is 
dilated, with gas forming therein, it is well especial- 
ly to examine the left pneumogastrie nerve through- 
out its course. Quite likely an irritative influence 
will be found affecting the nerve where it passes 
in front of the vertebrae, just below the skull. The 
most of such causes can be removed by specific 
osteopathic treatments. Such causes as tumors 
probably will require surgery. 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM CAUSES 51 

Members of the body of Christ, the church, are 
pained at times when the cause of the pain is remote 
from the person himself. As physicians have paid 
but little attention to such causes of physical pain 
as those just mentioned, until recently, so the phy- 
sicians of souls have not paid due attention to re- 
mote causes of spiritual distress. The person thus 
suffering has been again and again harshly con- 
demned by ministers, as unduly sensitive, when 
the one censuring has himself been at fault through 
his thoughtlessness, harshness and lack of that 
acute spiritual discernment which perceives the 
virtues and the needs of these souls, on the whole 
nobly responsive to various spiritualizing influ- 
ences. Frequently, when the minister thus lacking 
has departed, another better equipped has come and 
drawn the grieved, suffering and inactive souls out 
into the sunlight of peace, joy and noble Christian 
activity. Would that we all might learn to take 
people as they are and wisely make them better as 
we can. 



CHAPTER III 

PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN 
TISSUES DURING DISEASE PROCESSES 

In view of the structural changes due to diseases, 
a primary indication is to keep the destructive pro- 
cesses down to the minimum. Prevent an ulcer 
from penetrating vital tissue by antiseptics and by 
cautery, together with manipulative measures to im- 
prove nerve and blood supply. Keep inflammations 
from progressing to contiguous tissues by relieving 
congestion and by rest. Prevent gangrene from ex- 
tending to the entire limb by removing the obstruc- 
tion to the circulation, or by amputative surgery 
when necessary. In a case of gin-drinker's liver, 
stop the use of alcoholic drinks and establish a good 
nerve and blood supply to the liver by osteopathic 
treatments. In every destructive process, prevent 
the waste of tissue by the use of the best means at 
command. 

In spiritual ailments keep the influences injuring 
the sensibilities of the soul down to the minimum; 
don't permit the conscientious convictions to be 
weakened. The grievous destructive processes af- 
fecting the body are clearly seen, and the importance 
of preventing their progress, even at their beginning, 
is readily recognized. Far more important is it to 
prevent like injurious effects upon the soul, not only 
because of the superior value of the soul, but be- 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 53 

cause repairing it is more difficult and tedious. The 
higher the order of cells injured the slower are the 
repairing processes and the greater the efforts 
needed to accomplish this object. Fibrous tissue is 
readily developed, nerve cells but very slowly, the 
soul still more slowly even though the Supreme 
Spirit marvelously regenerates and edifies. Upon 
the hearts of those converted from the depths of sin 
are deep scars that shall remain until, and, to some 
extent even after, their translation. Certainly be- 
cause of these results of sin they can not ascend 
to the celestial heights they might otherwise have 
attained. As the Holy Writ says, "There is one 
glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, 
and another glory of the stars; for one star dif- 
fereth from another star in glory. So also is the 
resurrection from the dead." Unquestionably the 
scars left by sin shall have a dwarfing influence 
keeping us down, as stars of low magnitude, longer 
than we like to think. Let us have the progress of 
sin, yea, the inclination to sin, stopped as soon as 
possible, by praying for the Great Physician to come 
into our souls to regenerate and gloriously develop 
us into his likeness. 

Let us keep the cells of our conscientious con- 
victions in a healthy condition by the red blood 
cells of healthful thoughts and the nutritive nerve 
currents of healthful emotions, thus barring the 
entrance of the bacteria of temptations. Let us limit 
those inflammatory processes kept up by the vexa- 



54 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

tious, irritative conditions of life, by letting flow 
through our souls the spirit of the meek and lowly 
Nazarene. Certainly let us prevent the progress of 
the chronic inflammatory process of chronic fault- 
finding, worry, irritability, and moroseness, by 
opening up the channels of faith, hope and love for 
the entrance of the grace of God and consequent 
elimination of congested worldly desires, disap- 
pointed hopes, ignoble longings and ungodly ambi- 
tions. Let us see to it that no gangrenous process 
in our souls continues wasting our members. The 
rich currents of spiritual enthusiasm and whole 
hearted endeavors for the salvation of souls are 
most effective remedies. 

Disease processes which destroy tissue are best 
controlled and overcome by measures which mar- 
shal and reenforce, rather than supplant, the vital 
forces of the human organism. One school of medi- 
cine, in accord with this principle, strongly em- 
phasizes the necessity of giving every organ its 
normal nerve and blood supply, thus supplying 
most effectively to the diseased member the healing 
elements posited in the blood and the upbuilding 
influences of the nutritive nerves. In connection 
with the measures accomplishing this most desir- 
able object, it is quite important to see that the 
blood contains the healing elements needed, conse- 
quently a diet supplying such elements should be 
prescribed, and, in some instances, it will be found 
that certain preparations from the druggist can be 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 55 

used most advantageously, because of our being able 
thus to put into the system most readily and effec- 
tively the elements needed for nutrition. Neither 
drugs, nor other measures supplanting vital pro- 
cesses, should be used. Though these are somewhat 
beneficial, they do not scientifically meet the needs 
of the case, since the good accomplished is more 
than offset by harm, e. g. quinine, though benefiting 
much in malaria, lessens the oxygenating powers of 
the red blood cells and the bacteria-destroying 
powers of the white blood cells ; arsenic, though 
apparently a general tonic, interferes with build- 
ing up the body through the oxygenating processes, 
especially preventing the proper metabolism of fat 
and its excretion, thus causing, through increased 
weight, the appearance of improvement when the 
patient is really worse. Very important, then, is it, 
that we do not supplant vital forces, but marshal 
and reenforce them. 

Let us find the sparks of divinity in every soul 
and gather these together and reenforce them by all 
the spiritual powers at our command, thus kindling 
them into a glorious flame of true spiritual life. 
Never for one moment should we supplant one 
spark, since all are needed that each individual soul 
may attain its particular high destiny. Love to rel- 
atives, to friends, and to God, generosity, hope and 
faith may be so gathered together and so breathed 
upon by the Spirit of God, that a flame of heavenly 
love will be kindled in the coldest hearts. 



56 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

How diligently and thoroughly ought we to seek 
for the almost imperceptible, good traits of character 
in those whom we would make godly! Physicians 
formerly failed in many cases in which we now 
succeed, because they did not, in those unscientific 
days, accurately analyze the blood, counting the 
millions of tiny blood cells in the bit of blood that 
would rest on a pin head, observing carefully their 
shape and color and the proportion of the white 
cells to the red ; because they did not with powerful 
microscope search for those infinitesimal organisms 
giving life as well as those dealing death, and did not, 
with the most delicate chemical tests imaginable, 
find exactly what beneficial element the system pos- 
sessed and exactly what were needed, and in what 
quantities to reenforce those already in the system. 
Today many physicians of the soul fail because we 
do not, as thoroughly as those of the future will, 
diligently analyze the emotions of the spiritually 
ailing, counting carefully the various emotions, with 
the impulses before each, the various proportions in 
which they exist, observing carefully their form and 
color; because we do not with the microscope of a 
soul highly sensitized by psychological knowledge, 
by most pains-taking experience and thorough pos- 
session of the Spirit of God, search for those very 
minute life-giving, as well as death-dealing, in- 
fluences about us all as numerously and as potently 
as the billions of bacteria are around and in every 
physical body; because we do not, with the delicate 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 57 

tests of most affectionate spiritual touch, find out 
just what nutritive spiritual elements are already 
in the soul, in what quantities and just what and 
how much are needed sufficiently to reenforce these. 
Oh, let us not supplant, but marshal all the good 
traits in every soul and reenforce them by all the 
spiritual influences in earth and in heaven, thus 
making truly divine, every soul in which there is 
now the least good to be appealed to. True regen- 
eration, the receiving of a new heart, will thus be 
more frequent. 

A principle that is being observed today more 
fully than formerly, is that we should not cause a 
pathological condition to get a physiological action. 
Drugs causing perspiration by reducing oxygena- 
tion of the blood are used less now than in the days 
when physicians observed results, and paid little at- 
tention to causes. Heart and nerve stimulants, 
emetics, fever-reducers and some cathartics, that 
act in a similarly detrimental manner, will finally 
be but interesting relics of an unscientific age. 

Clearly do we see that we should not u do evil 
that good may come." In ministering to the phy- 
sical man, physicians committed the evils men- 
tioned above because of not taking into considera- 
tion all facts. They did not investigate sufficiently 
to see the various harmful effects of what they did. 
They saw but the apparently good results observed 
by but superficial thinking, not realizing that be- 
neath these were most evil results far outbalancing 



58 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

all the good obtained. Only the shallow mind 
thinks of doing evil that good may come. The 
more substantial, considerate persons see that we 
are not in harmony with the God "who doeth all 
things weir when we thus act out of harmony with 
his laws. Enlightenment has stopped the granting 
of indulgences in sin ; enlightenment is stopping the 
granting of political sanction to the rum traffic; en- 
lightenment will stop the permitting of various evils 
that we now wink at because of rewards. "Woe unto 
them that justify the wicked for reward" whether 
some good comes from the evil done or not. 

Produce, whenever possible, a physiological con- 
dition by a physiological process. This principle 
naturally follows the preceding, but certainly is 
worthy of separate consideration. Profuse sweat- 
ing frequently takes place in debilitated persons and 
is an evidence of profound nervous and vaso-motor 
relaxation. Sweating of the head of an infant af- 
flicted with rickets is of a similar nature. Some 
persons sweat abnormally after partaking of a -diet- 
that produces circulatory or nervous excitement. 
Holding the principle that we should produce physi- 
ological conditions by physiological processes, what 
should we do for such patients? Unquestionably 
we should not use means to stop the sweating with- 
out regard to the cause, thus promoting a diseased 
condition, but we should prescribe a nutritious, 
easily digested diet containing just those elements 
the system needs ; in one case supplying phosphate, 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 59 

in another lime, and in still another proteid. We 
should also see that the patient has an abundance of 
fresh air and sunlight. Briefly, use all physiological 
means of supplying the elements needed for physi- 
ological processes, and of promoting the normal 
activity of the organs involved. In many cases the 
latter object can be largely promoted by scientific 
manipulations and by hydrotherapy. 

Spiritually, prescribe the Bread of Life; direct 
to feed on the word and to drink of the "water of life 
freely." This seems so simple that we wonder why 
normal spiritual health and activity are not pro- 
moted more effectively and generally. Why the 
failures? We do not analyze carefully enough the 
various foods available for spiritual nourishment 
and accurately diagnose the ailment of the particu- 
lar soul that we may prescribe scientifically accord- 
ing to the exact needs of the particular individual. 
Concerning one minister, we frequently hear it said, 
"He is as dry as a chip," but occasionally learn of 
his clearing the way through an intellectual problem 
greatly to the edification of some logical, philosoph- 
ical minds. One minister of my acquaintance 
after a certain service which he conducted, learned 
that one man in the audience said, "I would not go 
across the street to hear that fellow preach." Yet 
a woman, with much emotion, said to him, concern- 
ing the same service, "That was a rich feast to my 
soul." 



60 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

In view of these facts we should as painstakingly 
classify Biblical and other spiritual truths as the 
physician classifies facts pertaining to the healing 
art, as definitely make our diagnosis of spiritual 
ailments, and as scientifically prescribe to meet these 
various needs of different minds and hearts. The 
present study of the Bible, in its historical setting 
and in the light of progressive revelation, is pre- 
paring the way for this classification. The scientists, 
enfeebled by doubts, will have these removed by the 
logical, convincing presentation of facts by wise 
ministers. Physicians of souls, having to minister 
to many people of various needs by the same ser- 
mon, will aim to give something of benefit to every 
one in such a form as to enable him easily to assim- 
ilate it. 

Whenever possible those of like spiritual needs 
will be assembled together, as those having certain 
diseases are now ministered to in separate hospitals 
where their needs can be supplied to a better ad- 
vantage and they can be protected better from other 
infections than where all are promiscuously as- 
sembled. Many who are now floundering in the 
sea of doubts, because of the unsolved problems 
agitating them, will thus have these problems 
solved by scientific and philosophical ministers who 
will frankly acknowledge the problems and 
thoroughly solve them, whereas under existing cir- 
cumstances some fear even to state the problems 
lest the faith of some, unable to understand the solu- 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 61 

tion, will be weakened. Knowing that we should 
provide the normal stimulus for normal spiritual 
functions we will be as loath to "bring a raging 
accusation" against the skeptic, agnostic, or infidel, 
as the wise physician is loath to give a drastic drug 
when wholesome nourishment especially adapted 
to the particular patient is needed. 

A principle clearly understood by physicians is 
that we should amputate a worthless member when- 
ever there is no hope of restoring it, or whenever 
the effort to restore would be made at too great 
a risk to contiguous tissue, or to the organism as a 
whole. A good judgment clarified by all available 
facts and wide experience is needed to decide what 
to do, in the various cases before us. Not only the 
member itself, but the constitutional condition must 
be considered, since a robust constitution will bring 
about a restoration in one patient, whereas there 
would be no chance of obtaining this result in 
another. No available means of ascertaining the 
facts bearing on the case should be neglected. 
Neither the history of the case, microscopical exami- 
nations, analysis of the blood, indeed not any 
diagnostic measure should be overlooked. No ex- 
pense should be spared. If in doubt we should 
make efforts to restore until positive that too great 
risks are being taken. 

The Master said, "If thy right hand offend thee, 
cut it off, and cast it from thee." However, as he 
restored a withered arm offending the body, so he 



62 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

restores spiritual members offending the soul. Con- 
cerning offending members in the body of Christ, 
the church, we certainly should diligently use 
vigorous measures to restore them as soon as we see 
that they are ailing; do so as long as there is any 
hope of restoring them and keep the church itself 
in as high a spiritual state as possible that the mem- 
ber may be restored who, otherwise, would be lost. 
Never should we relax our efforts until we have done 
every thing possible for the member and have most 
thoroughly investigated both the condition of the 
member, and the church, and find that the case is 
hopeless, or that the life of some church is greatly 
jeopardized. Would that we were as mindful of 
these facts as we ought to be. Members would thus 
be restored to spiritual health and activity who 
otherwise become worse than worthless, indeed 
churches would live that now die. 

Concerning those worthless, even injurious 
members of our own souls, we should act in the 
same manner. As the Hebrew priest anointed a 
member of progress, the great toe of the right foot; 
a member of skilful execution, the thumb of the 
right hand, also, a receptive member, the right ear, 
so let all our members be so fully anointed with the 
oil of grace, so well nourished with the inspiring 
thoughts and emotions needed by them and so 
guarded and used in diligent, ennobling service that 
they will not need to be discarded. Let them not 
b§ cast away as long as there is a reasonable hope ? 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 63 

in view of all the facts, of restoring them; but let 
us not hestitate to cut them off and cast them from 
us when otherwise our lives would be limited to the 
temporal and the physical, thus missing a godlike 
life here and a glorious immortality. 

To develop an organ, or its function, its physio- 
logical stimulus is required. The stomach must have 
food, at first in small quantities and of such a nature 
as to put little strain upon it, but enough to utilize 
its slight digestive powers, and the quantity of the 
food gradually increased and the quality so gradual- 
ly modified as to make proper use of the powers al- 
ready existing and developing in the stomach. 
Otherwise this organ scarcely develops at all. There 
are many disordered and undeveloped stomachs be- 
cause they have not been given their normal phy- 
siological stimulus; or not given this in properly 
graduated measures. Like statements might truth- 
fully be made concerning every organ of our bodies. 

The stimuli that draw out the natural powers of 
the soul and lead to those useful endeavors to which 
the soul is adapted are essential to its development, 
and should be supplied in such w T ell-graduated 
measures that there will be neither great strain, nor 
much unused spiritual power. Certainly, in view 
of these facts, we will not be ascetics. We will 
"go about doing good," according to our ability; 
not so constantly and laboriously that we will lose 
all joy in this noble service; yet not for a single day 



64 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

doing no good, unselfish, Christian deed, lest our 
own souls become weakened and dwarfed. 

u Gount that day lost whose low descending sun 
Views, from thy hand, no worthy action done." 

Lost not merely in view of the welfare of those 
for whom the good deed might have been done; 
but, also, in view of our own development into 
the likeness of the Master. 

To promote the normal development and func- 
tioning of the various glands, muscles and other 
tissues we need not pay particular attention to every 
one; but partake of the proper food, that stimulat- 
ing and using the several powers of these various 
organs, also, perform the different kinds of services 
of which we are capable. Likewise, to develop the 
faculties of the soul and to promote their normal 
functions, we must feed upon the various kinds of 
food for the soul, partake of them regularly and in 
properly graduated quantities and perform the dif- 
ferent kinds of spiritual ministrations of .which we 
are capable. Feed on the Word of God, indeed: 
but not merely on its promises : partake of its exhor- 
tations, its commandments, even its condemnations. 
Feed upon the Bread of Life, Christ Jesus, but not 
merely partake of him as the Prince of Peace, the 
Altogether Lovely, the Rose-of-Sharon, the Lily-of- 
the-Valley, but receive Him heartily as the Vigorous 
Lasher of the sinful money changers, as the Unre- 
served Censurer of the Pharisees, as the Vigorous 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 65 

Executioner of the wicked Ananias and Sapphira: 
pray as Paul "that we may know the fellowship of 
his suffering," and thus we shall experience the 
fellowship of his glorification. Feed upon all the 
edifying thoughts of all helpful modern authors and 
speakers, not merely the poets, the hymnologists 
and silver-tongued orators; but the philosophers, the 
logicians and the scientists, thus finding, e. g. in the 
steps of evolution, "those altar stairs that lead 
through darkness up to God," and in the historical 
study of the Bible, with its manifestations of pro- 
gressive steps of revelation, a like glorious and in- 
spiring ascent heavenward. Thus enjoying spirit- 
ual health and strength, we shall naturally be in- 
clined to use all the powers that are posited in our 
souls. These will, indeed, be like race horses 
champing the bits in their endeavors to spring for- 
ward into the Christian race course to carry many 
souls to the heavenly goal. 

Whenever able to prevent it, do not suffer a 
tissue-destroying process to pass beyond the point 
of probable restoration, certainly not beyond the 
point of possible restoration. Cure every inflam- 
mation in the acute stage lest in the chronic stage 
so much fibrous tissues be formed that the func- 
tioning powers of the organ be, to a measure, for- 
ever lost. Restore circulation to the diseased part 
when a gangrenous process is in its incipiency, lest 
it should soon become impossible to save the mem- 
ber affected. Reduce the strain to the minimum 



66 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

on an ulcerated intestinal tract, lest it should become 
perforated, practically irreparably injured. Observ- 
ing the principle thus set forth and illustrated leads 
us to check, or cure, practically every disease as 
soon as possible, indeed, to be most diligent in our 
efforts to accomplish this important object. 

Would that we were as wise in reference to 
spiritual ailments! Fully as important is it that 
we prevent these from progressing to the point 
where restoration is impossible. As a simple in- 
flammation may continue so long that we can not 
restore the cells affected to their normal condition 
and, also, make it impossible to replace them by 
healthful cells, so the most insignificant sin may 
forever lessen our nobility of soul and spiritual 
powers. Let us repent of and confess every sin, 
however insignificant, lest they irreparably injure 
our souls. Certainly we should not sow any wild- 
oats since the scientist as well as the prophet says 
emphatically, "as a man soweth so shall he reap." 
Certainly if conversion has not been experienced, 
it should be sought at once. As a physician would 
be guilty of malpractice in neglecting to use every 
means of saving a diseased member of the body, as 
well as the body itself, so every one is most griev- 
ously guilty who neglects to use promptly and ef- 
fectively every means of saving all the spiritual 
faculties of himself and others. 

For our encouragement, as well as guidance, 
we should hold in mind the fact that diseased tissue 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 67 

will always return to the normal, if the abnormal 
influence is removed soon enough. A simple in- 
flammation may continue days and even weeks, 
and still restoration take place in the part affected. 
A severed member, e. g. a finger, must be put back 
immediately and all conditions favorable to its 
restoration provided. Between these examples are 
many grades of disease processes requiring various 
degrees of promptness and thoroughness in our heal- 
ing measures, but never do we make a mistake in 
acting thoroughly and promptly. 

Most of the sins of childhood, like the many 
diseases of this period, if properly handled, are not 
seriously injurious to the future welfare of the one 
afflicted. Let us be thus encouraged; but ever be 
mindful of the fact that vigorous and prompt action 
saves many lives, saves many souls. To save souls, 
let us remember that sins need to be removed as the 
abnormal must be removed from the body that 
restoration may take place. The Word teaches this 
and reveals the means of accomplishing it by say- 
ing, u Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall 
save his people from their sins," not merely the guilt 
and punishment of sin. Some abnormal spiritual 
conditions we must deal with as with the severed 
finger: remove the abnormal conditions at once, re- 
store the normal as fully and as promptly as possi- 
ble. Some encouragement there is in this connec- 
tion for the one who, through passion, goes astray. 
Let him at once renounce the grievous, soul-destroy- 



68 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

ing sin which separates him from God, and with all 
his heart seek those blessings upon which his re- 
storation depends; the grace of God, the cleansing 
and healing blood of Christ and the protecting, sup- 
porting powers of the children of God through his 
church. Thus the soul's powers, that otherwise 
would be irretrievably lost, will be graciously saved. 

In accord with this principle, it is well to hold 
in mind the fact that it is not the temptation to sin 
that needs to be removed ; but sin itself. The danger 
of physical injury does not prevent our obtaining 
and retaining normal physical conditions, but the 
actual injury itself. The Master acted in accord 
with this fact when he said "I pray not that thou 
shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou 
shouldest keep them from the evil." 

That restoration may take place promptly and 
fully we need to see that the part affected has a 
normal nerve and blood supply. The osteopaths 
base the most of their healing measures upon this 
principle. Their remarkable and continued success 
is sufficient guarantee of the truth of this proposi- 
tion and the effectiveness of the osteopathic manipu- 
lations in giving normal nerve and blood supply to 
diseased organs. Other means, indeed, may be used 
to a great advantage; but the fact that these condi- 
tions should be secured is scarcely questioned, hence 
we shall not dwell upon this point. Much do phy- 
sicians neglect to secure these conditions, however. 
Not until less thari two decades ago were the lesions 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 69 

hindering normal nerve and blood supply to diseased 
organs clearly pointed out and a system of effective 
manipulations for removing them developed. Even 
today many neglect to study these lesions, develop 
ability to find them and remove them. 

The grace of God, as manifested through the 
atoning blood of Christ, is needed as much by our 
souls as the oxygen carried by the blood is needed 
by our bodies ; yea, it is needed as constantly, every 
moment. As a system of nerves govern the caliber 
of the blood vessels controlling the currents to and 
from various physical organs and modify the 
amount and quality of the blood supplied; so a sys- 
tem of spiritual influences modifies the amount of 
the grace of God received through the blood of 
Christ. Best of all, these may be controlled by the 
one in need and by others in his behalf. The sys- 
tem of doctrines accepted by the individual doubt- 
less modifies his faith and thus the amount of the 
grace of God received by him. Let us state the 
fundamental, practical articles of faith so clearly, 
so practically and so inspiringly that the people will 
be led to accept the teachings of God so heartily that 
the grace of God will flow most freely through 
their souls. Let us day by day keep removed from 
feeble souls those various hindrances to the de- 
velopment of true faith in the hearts of the people. 

As nutritive influences pass over nerves from 
various nerve centers promoting nutrition in every 
part of the body, so nourishing influences may reach 



70 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

the souls of all men from many spiritual centers 
receiving nourishment themselves from the Spirit 
of God. Let these lower centers be vitally connected 
with the higher centers. Let nothing keep them 
from being in a perfectly healthy state themselves 
and see that the course from these to the hearts of 
individuals is kept perfectly free from all obstruc- 
tions, and souls will be gloriously nourished and 
developed into the likeness of God. Certain hin- 
drances and means of removing them are mentioned 
in various parts of this book. As medical men now 
see the far-reaching and often most detrimental 
influences of insignificant lesions, and study hard 
and work diligently to remove them, let .us observe 
that the least waywardness of heart may most griev- 
ously injure us and let us study closely how best 
to remove such hindrances to our spiritual health, 
and work diligently to accomplish this most desir- 
able object. 

That an organ may recover to the best advantage 
and develop most fully we need to develop the 
organs upon which it depends. The biceps can not 
develop greatly without a well-developed axillary 
artery to carry an abundant supply of good nutri- 
tious blood to this muscle. Good digestive, respir- 
atory, circulatory and nervous systems must be 
back of the axillary artery else the biceps falls short 
of its best development. Because of depending 
upon these various organs, in fact systems of organs, 
and, also, because they all are seldom in a perfect 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 71 

condition, development and recovery in the biceps 
does not progress as rapidly later as at first. This 
is true in regard to every part of the body. We need 
to develop all that we may fully develop one; yea, 
we need to develop all fully that we may develop 
any one completely. 

Certainly the spiritual health and development 
of every member of the body of Christ, the church, 
depends upon the health and strength of other mem- 
bers, in fact, of all other members. Any certain one 
is, indeed, more dependent upon some than upon 
others; but to some extent dependent upon all. 
Some of us are, to certain needy souls, as the axillary 
artery is to the biceps. We are assigned the duty 
of conveying spiritual nourishment to them imme- 
diately, and when we are wide-calibered souls they 
are well nourished, and when narrow, contracted, 
bigoted, selfish souls they starve for want of spirit- 
ual food. Others far distant from us are more de- 
pendent upon us than we think. As wise physi- 
cians, indeed, as trainers for athletic contests pay 
close attention to building up the organs upon 
which a certain member depends, let us be diligent, 
painstaking, studious and ardent in edifying our- 
selves and others, for the welfare of the weak and 
needy. 

Why does the young convert experience a joy- 
fully rapid development for a time, and later a pain- 
fully slow progress? Largely because he soon 
reaches that measure of development attained by 



72 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

those about him. They need to develop more that 
he may progress. Let us see that no one is hindered 
because of us, but use every means to promote the 
joyful and rapid development of all. 

That entire physical systems are dependent for 
their restoration and development upon other sys- 
tems, is so evident that we will not take space even 
to illustrate the fact ; but pass to the more important 
corollary. One system of religious activity can not 
develop well unless other systems are normally 
developed. Foreign missionary work especially 
needs to be backed by a zeal in behalf of the local 
work; revivals must needs be born in and promoted 
by fervent, ardent, trustful, prayer meetings. The 
immediate dependence thus pointed out, we must 
bear in mind; but, also, realize that as the nervous 
system, e. g., is dependent not only upon the circula- 
tory system, but the digestive and respiratory and, 
in fact, upon all the other physical systems, so every 
system of religious activity is dependent upon 
others. Let us not then try to develop one much 
beyond another. Let us rejoice in the privilege of 
promoting the welfare of other interests of the 
church by developing those for which we are es- 
pecially responsible. Let us come up to our high 
calling in these matters. Let every one who pro- 
fesses the name of Christ know that he has a sub- 
lime privilege, and great responsibility, in doing his 
work well, that the welfare of many others may be 
promoted and that certain spiritual forces that he 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 73 

can develop, must be kept in a good condition else 
all other interests are weak. Let no one think that 
he himself can develop independently any more than 
the biceps can develop without aid. Every muscle 
depends on arteries and nerves, yea, on the entire 
system: every soul depends on brothers and sisters, 
yea, on the entire church. 

Cleanse a diseased part as thoroughly as possible 
without causing so much harm by irritating as 
to counterbalance the benefits of the cleansing. This 
principle is very well illustrated by the various 
treatments for catarrh. Nasal catarrh, e. g., is very 
frequently treated with antiseptic douches, inhala- 
tions and insufflations and even ointments of such 
a nature as to do more harm by irritating the tissues 
than the good accomplished by killing the bacteria. 
Use antiseptics ; but not of such a nature, or of such 
strength, as to injure more than benefit. This re- 
quires much skill and care. 

As we use antiseptics to cleanse the body of bac- 
teria so let us use reproof, exhortation and rebuke 
to cleanse souls of sin; but, as we skillfully and care- 
fully use that kind and quantity of antiseptic that 
will irritate the least so let us skillfully and care- 
fully use that kind of reproof, exhortation and re- 
buke that will irritate least. John Wesley was not 
always right in commending young preachers for 
making people mad, not any more than the surgeon 
would be right in always commending the student 
for roughly scrubbing a wound with full strength 



74 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

carbolic acid. Neither is the preacher always harp- 
ing upon a certain sin, nor the parent always 
nagging at a child, nor the disciplinarian pursuing 
a pin-pricking policy any more right than the phy- 
sician would be in constantly dropping carbolic acid 
onto a wound. Let us "reprove, rebuke, exhort with 
all long-suffering and teaching." With long-suffer- 
ing that we may be kept free from irritating im- 
patience, with teaching that we may develop wis- 
dom and skill in using just those means of cleansing 
and in just those quantities needed without unnec- 
essarily and injuriously irritating. 

To secure normal restoration of tissue we must 
properly graduate rest and exercise. Rest is es- 
pecially needed during the early periods of restora- 
tion. It is the primary indication in all acute in- 
flammations. In some instances rest of the whole 
body is needed that a certain diseased member may 
be restored to its normal condition. By this means 
we direct a large percentage of the healing forces of 
the organism to the part in great need that otherwise 
would be diverted. This is especially manifested 
in inflammatory processes affecting the heart. 
Scarcely any cases are properly cured without 
being aided by rest of the body as a whole. The 
most of these can be cured in the acute stage if rest 
is given. However, perfect restoration and develop- 
ment can not be secured without exercise. Of 
every cell of every tissue of the body is this true. 
A sprained joint must be rested by being bandaged 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 75 

at first; but after the swelling has subsided it must 
be exercised else it will never regain its normal 
strength. Every part of the body is subject to like 
conditions. 

To secure normal restoration and development 
of souls, we must properly graduate their rest and 
exercise. Give the new-born soul something to do 
though his efforts may be as purposeless and as in- 
effective as those of the babe in the crib. They are 
greatly needed to develop his powers that he may 
become more godly and that he may thus become 
able to edify others. Whenever observing a spiritual 
lethargy in a convert, know that he probably needs 
to labor more in the vineyard of God. Lead, or if 
necessary drive him out into service. However, 
don't overlook the fact that as rest of diseased tis- 
sues is essential to their repair, so rest from certain 
spiritual functions is absolutely necessary to the 
restoration of certain powers of the soul. Further, 
that as rest of the entire body sometimes is needed 
to cure a diseased part, so rest of all the faculties of 
the individual sometimes must be secured for his 
spiritual recuperation. Let him rest in an environ- 
ment that will not exercise forces opposing his soul's 
best interests ; but those contributory to his spiritual 
development. Let him not go to the place of ques- 
tionable amusements, or hilarious worldliness; but 
to the place of restful ease, freed from responsibili- 
ties, enveloped in an atmosphere of brotherly love, 
in the presence of spiritual influences in harmony 



76 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

with his true soul's desires and with perfect free- 
dom and opportunity to engage in any truly re- 
creative and ennobling games. Many such places 
are being established by various Christian organiza- 
tions. May there be many more. 

The more complex an organ that needs restora- 
tion is, the more painstaking, diligent and continu- 
ous must be our efforts to accomplish its restoration. 
Such organs are more dependent on other organs 
than those more simple in their structure, conse- 
quently their restoration and development depends 
on more conditions. Contrast, e. g., the cells of the 
skin with those of the brain. Remove the injuring 
agent from the former and they are restored in a 
few days and perform their simple functions readily 
and perfectly. Let but a little blood accumulate on 
the latter, and weeks, months, even years must be 
spent in removing the clot, restoring circulation, 
scientifically varying rest and exercise of the part 
affected and of the whole organism, and like dili- 
gence and skill exerted in nourishing the cells af- 
fected, the nervous system itself and the systems 
upon which it depends, and finally, after a year or 
two of such ardent, diligent and skillful measures, 
you may be rewarded by the restoration and de- 
velopment of the much longed for sensations and 
motions dependent upon the cells of the brain af- 
fected by the clot. 

As the brain cells are of an order far superior to 
the cells of the skin, so is spiritual life of a much 



STRUCTURAL CHANGES 77 

higher order than the physical life. As the cells of 
the brain are dependent upon a much larger num- 
ber and far more complex conditions, in their 
restoration and development, so a like progress of 
the soul depends on more numerous and complex 
conditions even than that of the brain. Impart to 
a man a keen sense of the presence of God in all 
his attributes: help him to see Christ in his many 
manifestations of divinity while living on the earth 
as the Man of Galilee: give him the privilege of 
being in the church with its many noble types of 
Christians performing their numerous and varied 
functions in his behalf: let him have all the simple, 
complex and compound experiences of the progres- 
sive Christian soul in all the phases of life's noble 
activities, and you have not yet, by any means, sup- 
plied all the conditions upon which the soul's glor- 
ious development in godliness depends. How im- 
portant, then, that we diligently preserve all noble 
traits of character developed in our own hearts and 
by our ancestors through many generations! How 
important that we do all that we possibly can to se- 
cure for ourselves and others those many, varied 
and most valuable means for our glorious develop- 
ment into the likeness of God. 



CHAPTER IV 

PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS MANIFESTED 

Indications for the use of certain means of heal- 
ing in the light of the symptoms manifested, shall be 
considered in this chapter. We shall endeavor 
always to set forth those measures which not only 
relieve the symptoms, but cure the disease causing 
the symptoms. 

Relieving pain of the body, or the soul, when it 
is of therapeutic value by other means than that of 
removing the cause, is grievous malpractice. Cer- 
tainly an opiate should not be used unless such use 
is but a preparatory step to removing the cause of 
the pain. Merely an inhibitory treatment, whether 
by means of drugs, osteopathy, or otherwise, is not 
to be commended. 

Similarly, the prophet discountenances such 
suppressive measures when he says emphatically 
that we should not cry "peace, peace, when there is 
no peace." As an opiate causes the cancer-afflicted 
patient to rest comfortably and contentedly with this 
life-destroying enemy in his vitals without so much 
as raising his finger to cast it out, so unwisely paci- 
fying, falsely assuring and wrongly comforting the 
soul with the cancer of sin in his heart, causes 
him not even to raise one penitent cry to the Great 
Physician who stands anxiously waiting to cleanse 
his heart of every sin, together with the predisposi- 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 79 

tion to these evils, and, to cast all into the crematory 
of his grace consuming every vestige of evil most 
fully, in fact so graciously transforming some in- 
clinations that they, like the phosphates of the ashes, 
most gloriously quicken and develop life. Let us say 
u peace, peace" to no soul till that one is truly con- 
verted, then hasten to assure him that his cancer- 
like malady has been thoroughly removed. Caution 
him even then that as one cancer indicates a pre- 
disposition to the development of others, especially 
when the vitality is low, so one sin reveals a like 
predisposition of the soul. Thus impress him 
deeply with the fact that he needs the best nourish- 
ment possible from God's abundant stores and that 
he must not weaken himself by the least indiscre- 
tion : in fact, that he must use every available means 
of strengthening the resisting powers of his own 
heart and combating every tendency to a return of 
his deadly malady, and that, aided by the Great Phy- 
sician, divine skill and omnipotent power, he cer- 
tainly can always be in perfect spiritual health. 

The means used for relieving pain should be 
modified according to the needs indicated by its 
cause. Manipulations removing impingements from 
nerves, relieving congestions affecting nerve centers 
and eliminating poisons, are of great value when 
these causes exist. Inhibitions by pressure, under 
some conditions, are helpful. Counter-congestions, 
counter-suggestions, anesthetics, nerve sedatives, 



80 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

antitoxic measures and even killing of nerves have 
their respective values. 

The means of relieving the pained heart and the 
grieved soul, unquestionably should be modified ac- 
cording to the needs indicated by the various causes 
of these conditions. Teaching, stimulating certain 
emotions and inhibiting others so as to adjust the 
various faculties and emotions to the normal, re- 
lieve grieved souls as effectively as scientific mani- 
pulations relieve physical pain when these are in- 
dicated. 

Special training and experience are greatly 
needed to accomplish effectively either of these most 
important objects. Many physicians, though trained 
considerably and experienced, are unsuccessful in 
relieving physical pain by these methods, in cases 
in which others delightfully succeed. Natural ability, 
special training and experience are lacking in the 
one, and well provided in the other. Since far su- 
perior skill is needed to treat souls successfully than 
to treat bodies, how important it is that we strive 
most earnestly, diligently and prayerfully to master 
the sciences pertaining to the relief of souls. Modern 
psychology especially is worthy of study. By all 
means let us observe closely how the Master dealt 
with souls during his earthly ministry. Before 
using any of the measures thus revealed, let us, if 
possible, ascertain the cause of the heart's pain, 
knowing that the wrong use of any measures not 
only fails to accomplish the desired object, but does 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 81 

harm. Telling a deeply affectionate, sensitive soul, 
greatly grieved because some beloved friend has 
misunderstood him, that "sensitiveness is selfish- 
ness," does not in the least relieve, but cuts more 
deeply, making the pain worse. In view of the 
causes, get the two misunderstood and misunder- 
standing individuals together, and bring about such 
spiritually manipulative measures as those men- 
tioned by our Lord in the eighteenth chapter of 
Matthew. 

In dealing with diseases symptomatically, we 
should take advantage of quiescent stages. An al- 
coholic can be most effectively appealed to and phy- 
sically treated between the periods of abnormal 
cravings. We should impart helpful counteracting 
thoughts to, and otherwise treat, the insane during 
lucid periods. 

Quiescent and consequently more receptive 
periods of the soul follow periods of waywardness. 
Let us exert our utmost endeavors in behalf of these 
needy ones at such times, and, during the less favor- 
able hours, lead to these opportune periods. There 
is an extended time in the development of youths 
in which they are especially receptive to converting 
influences. Friedrich questioned children of the 
various grades in the Milwaukee schools concerning 
whom they wanted to be like. The most of the boys 
and girls in the sixth grades chose those illustrating 
piety and holiness. What a favorable age is thus 



82 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

revealed to us for leading the young people to Christ ! 
Let us make still better use of it than we have. 

When suspecting, for any reason, the existence 
of a disease, curable in early stages and incurable 
later, use every means of ascertaining the existence 
of the disease, and instituting the treatment in the 
incipient stage. Pulmonary tuberculosis unques- 
tionably is one disease of this nature. Under favor- 
able conditions, by skillful treatment according to 
modern methods reenforced by the thorough co- 
operation of the patient, nearly all the cases, taken 
in the early stage of this otherwise very dangerous 
disease, can be cured. How important that we 
promptly use the most delicate and convincing tests 
in patients in the least suspected of having this 
disease! Fortunately we have now such a means 
of diagnosing tuberculosis, the opthalmic tuberculin 
test, and the tuberculin skin test, which are easily 
and safely applied. Notwithstanding this fact, 
many pass beyond the point of recovery before their 
condition is accurately diagnosed, and thus before 
the proper healing measures are instituted. A phy- 
sician having a wife whom he knew to have been 
dangerously exposed to this infection did not 
diagnose her condition till more than a year after 
the beginning of the disease, then she was beyond 
recovery. After a proper diagnosis, unquestionably 
there is imperative need of prompt, energetic treat- 
ment scientifically applied. 



PRINGPILES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 83 

The factious spirit in the church certainly should 
be observed early and promptly treated. As the tiny 
tubercle bacillus insidiously begins and steadily 
progresses in its deadly work till it has a vice-like 
grip of death on its victim ere he is aware of the 
presence of the enemy, so the factious spirit secretly 
begins and steadily proceeds in its death-dealing 
work against the church till it grips its victim with 
bands of steel before its presence is realized. Wise 
officers of the church, yea, laymen themselves, 
should act in regard to this as the modern physician 
acts in reference to tuberculosis. As the opthalmic 
tuberculin in the eye definitely and readily reveals 
positive evidence of tuberculosis in any part of the 
body, so most deeply religious souls in close touch 
with the church in the most deeply spiritual and 
unifying services, such as the Lord's Supper, pre- 
sided over by the Spirit of God, have revealed to 
them incipient, inharmonious spirits that otherwise 
would not be revealed. Let us develop such respon- 
sive souls and, for the welfare of the church, use 
the power thus obtained. Lead the factious indi- 
viduals into the sunlight of God's love, into the open 
air of truth, feed them fully with the word of God, 
cause to circulate through their hearts the cleans- 
ing, life-giving and gloriously nourishing blood of 
Christ and antidote their contentious spirit with 
brotherly love. As hundreds of thousands of tuber- 
cular patients now live who would have died had 
not prompt, strenuous, thorough, scientific treat- 



84 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

merit been used in their behalf, so a great multitude 
of souls and numerous churches will live, to the 
glory of God, by the use of such effective measures 
as those thus suggested. 

Individuals harrassed by doubts undermining 
their faith in God, Christ and the Bible, if treated 
as painstakingly, thoroughly and scientifically in 
the incipiency of the doubts, as we treat tubercular 
patients, would have their faith preserved and splen- 
didly developed, and, also, would develop a delight- 
fully protective immunity to these grievous influ- 
ences. It is especially well for us to be fully cogni- 
zant of this fact during this transitional age, in 
which the faith of many is being weakened in the 
presence of influences under which it normally 
should be made strong. Wrongly viewing the his- 
torical study of the Bible, a like viewing progressive 
creation and superficially considering the miracles 
of Christ, in the light of modern science doubtless 
have been to many souls what tubercle bacilli have 
been to many bodies. How can we prevent these 
grievous results? Consecutive steps in teaching 
these movements should be taken as promptly as we 
use all possible means of nourishing the tubercular 
patient. When teaching that many of the institu- 
tions of the Chosen People of God were in vogue 
among other nations, and some of them even at an 
earlier date than they were found among the Israel- 
ites, hasten to show that the God of the Israelites 
gave to these institutions a spiritual significance far 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 85 

surpassing that previously, or elsewhere, observed. 
Further, show that the Chosen People had higher 
conceptions of moral obligations than their pagan 
neighbors. Show that when others sought to take 
"Life for an eye and life for a tooth," the people 
whom God was especially leading to as high moral 
standards as his people could receive at that early 
date endeavored to exact a penalty only equal to 
that of the injury inflicted. They heeded the com- 
mandment, u Life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth 
for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." 

Promptly and clearly should we show that the 
historical study of the Bible most inspiringly pre- 
sents a progressive revelation of the nature of God. 
Step by step, through the various periods of Israel- 
itish history, we should show how one noble attri- 
bute after another is progressively revealed till we 
come to the days of Isaiah, in which the majesty 
and holiness of the Supreme One are most glorious- 
ly unveiled. Certainly we should not neglect to im- 
press the cognate truth, that undreamed of heights 
of sublime edification are now attained by the peo- 
ple of God. They heard God say, "Be ye holy, for 
I am holy." They saw, indeed, as never before that 
they should be holy "in all manner of living." 

In high school, in college, in every educational 
institution and from every pulpit, we should teach 
clearly the fact that evolution, if accepted at 
all, should be considered God's method of "cre- 
ating by gradualism rather than by instantane- 



86 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

ous fiat," and thus this gradualism properly viewed 
may become those "altar stairs that slope through 
darkness up to God." We should hasten to prove, 
and that clearly and edifyingly, that the Master in 
performing his miracles made a remarkably effective 
use of means of accomplishing glorious results that 
most learned modern scientists are but beginning to 
get glimpses of, that he grasped and wielded with 
an omnipotent hand what the most learned and 
powerful in this advanced age simply touch and 
slightly move with the tips of their fingers, that 
he, thus so many generations beyond the mortals 
of his day, reveals a divine power which proves that 
he is indeed "God manifest in the flesh." 

Looking closely into symptoms and physiological 
activities, we see that we should alter the kind of 
activity by altering the physiological stimulus. 
When the secretion of gastric juice is slight and es- 
pecially deficient in pepsin, feed very moderately 
at first and gradually increase the eating of those 
foods demanding pepsin, thus physiologically 
stimulating the secretion of this ferment. When 
there is an over-secretion of hydrochloric acid by the 
stomach, prescribe the diet that is least stimulating 
to the glands secreting this substance, e. g. milk 
and starchy foods, together with a sufficient portion 
of food neutralizing this acid (raw or underdone 
meat) to take care of that already secreted. Grad- 
ually progress, then, with the use of those foods 
leading to a normal secretion of hydrochloric acid. 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 87 

These physiological measures are of far more im- 
portance in affecting a cure than drug therapy. 
These foods are normally related to the needs of the 
system. Drugs are irrelevant. 

Supply a spiritual stimulus that is normal and 
properly related to the soul's needs when the activity 
of the soul is abnormal. These correspond to phy- 
siological stimuli in behalf of the body. Other, as 
drugs, are irrelevant. The revelations through the 
Bible, especially those manifested in the fullness of 
revelation through Christ Jesus, can be most de- 
pended on. The voices of God heard through the 
natural realm often delightfully stimulate to godli- 
ness. The words and deeds of God's faithful fol- 
lowers develop our souls godward. 

Occasionally we find physicians of souls acting 
as unwisely, unscientifically and injuriously, as the 
physicians of our bodies did before taking all facts 
into consideration. Only a few years ago the 
doctors gave hydrochloric acid when the stomach 
did not secrete sufficient of this acid for digestion, 
and stopped feeding proteids, the foods needing 
much naturally secreted hydrochloric acid. Now 
we see that this acid has the disadvantage of check- 
ing the habit of the stomach of secreting its natural 
acid, and we have ceased administering it, and feed 
a small amount of proteids, the normal stimulants 
to the secretion of hydrochloric acid. One who 
would have us accept a "New Religion" says that 
"this will have nothing in it of comfort." Com- 



88 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

forting thoughts, however, are needed as much by 
the soul as proteids are needed by the body. With- 
out them one of the soul's crying needs would not 
be supplied and some of the noblest characteristics 
of the heart would not be developed. Indeed, as the 
normal physiological stimulus must be supplied to 
the digestive tract to cause it to secrete the various 
digestants, to the nourishment of the body, so such 
food for the soul as comforting thoughts are ab- 
solutely necessary to its elaboration of those forces 
that are essential to its assimilation of food de- 
veloping godliness. 

How may we determine what particular normal 
stimulus the soul needs and in what quantities to 
supply it? As we determine a like need of the body 
by finding out from the dietary what physical 
stimulus has been lacking, by observing the symp- 
toms, by examining the organs affected and by 
analyzing the products of the functions of the 
organs, so we find out what normal stimulus the 
soul especially needs by determining what one has 
not been sufficiently supplied, by observing how 
the various forces of the soul are acting, by examin- 
ing thoroughly its faculties and by analyzing the 
results produced in the spiritual life. 

In a certain community we find that a few — 
probably members of a "Holiness Band" — are very 
enthusiastic in their advocacy of holiness and, many 
of them, in really living holy lives, but they do not 
properly correlate this virtue to others, and have a 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 89 

distorted view of this noble characteristic of Chris- 
tians, consequently have little influence on their 
fellows. On investigating the spiritual supplies of 
that community we find that for years true holiness 
has been but little taught, and less lived. Looking 
closely into the minds and hearts of the people we 
find that they hunger for true godliness more than 
they crave bread. Examining the faculties of their 
souls we find there a receptivity for God and godli- 
ness far surpassing the supplies. Analyzing the 
results of these conditions on the spiritual life of 
the community, we find the people sorely deficient 
in Christ-like living. There is a perverted holiness, 
on the one side, and a lack of godliness on the other. 
At once we realize that instead of antagonizing the 
holiness people, we need to teach true holiness, con- 
secration and sanctification, and to do so faithfully, 
thoroughly and continuously. Thus we soon shall 
have the privilege of seeing all classes in the com- 
munity greatly edified and made much more useful 
in the kingdom of God. 

Another principle that should be set forth in view 
of certain symptoms is that when healing flags, we 
should stimulate by means adapted to the particular 
case, by cautery if necessary. Accomplishing this 
object by other measures has been previously con- 
sidered. Cauterizing is the means to which we shall 
now devote our attention. That this is of superior 
value in certain cases is beyond question. Especial- 
ly should it be used on such as fungating and in- 



90 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

dolent ulcers. Cauterizing in some cases in which 
healing flags would be needlessly painful and in- 
effective. Certainly we should not thus treat those 
chronic inflammations in which healing does not 
take place readily because of some hindrance to the 
normal circulation. In those cases it is far better to 
use the osteopathic treatments, or other means of 
restoring freedom of circulation. 

Unquestionably cauterizing rebukes and burning 
accusations have their place in spiritual healing. 
The self-satisfied, egotistic and self-assertive indi- 
viduals ought to be treated by these measures. 
Those on whom less radical measures have been 
tried and failed certainly ought to be so handled. 
Those who have the dead tissue of Pharisaic self- 
righteousness, the venous congestion of worn-out 
dogmas and the tissue-destroying bacteria of 
chronic faultfinding and irritative censuring, ought 
to be treated with a caustic, sufficiently strong to 
reach the depths of the evil. The Master used 
various measures burning as deeply as red-hot irons. 
At times we need to do likewise. However, let us 
not go around with a stick of lunar caustic in one 
hand and a red-hot iron in the other using them 
on every case we meet. When certain ministers 
are about to preach we hear the people say, "Now 
we shall hear about hell." Concerning others under 
like circumstances, it is said, "Now we shall hear 
about heaven." The former probably are too 
caustic, and the latter probably not enough so. 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 91 

A principle frequently acted on in therapeutics 
is, that we may favorably modify the action of the 
vicera by reflex action. This may be done on one 
organ through another. It is well known that in 
a case of heartburn, with its irregular, intermittent 
and slow heart beat, we can cause this organ, the 
heart, to functionate properly by putting the 
stomach into a normal condition. We may, also, 
as favorably influence the action of an organ 
through the nerves, to nerve centers connected in- 
directly with an organ, as those supplying the organ 
itself. Put a hot application over the heart for 
a few minutes, then, cold for a shorter period, thus 
alternating for a brief time, to stimulate the heart. 
This is accomplished through the nerves which 
come from the same center as those to the heart 
itself. A stimulating manipulation to these nerves, 
either over the heart, at the seventh cervical or at 
the first and second dorsal vertebrae, will accom- 
plish the same object. This organ may also be 
caused to act more vigorously by stimulating the 
nervous system as a whole, or by stimulating the 
mind. By all these various means the object is ac- 
complished through reflex action. 

Paul says, u The unbelieving husband is sancti- 
fied by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sancti- 
fied by the husband." This most desirable object 
frequently may be obtained by this reflex measure 
when it can not be brought about in any other way. 
As the heart is cured of heartburn most readily 



92 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

and completely by causing the stomach to perform 
its duty well, and can not be cured otherwise, so 
often there is a husband, or a wife, whose heart 
would be led to beat in glorious harmony with the 
heart of God, if the conjugal companion would do 
right as a follower of Christ. Many of these can 
not otherwise be saved from spiritual death. 

Ministers and others are centers of spiritual in- 
fluence. These send out impulses in various direc- 
tions according to the sum total of the stimulating 
influences received by them. Let those who have 
ardently prayed for and longed for the conversion 
of their relatives and friends, express their long- 
ings to their pastor and pray with him for their 
loved ones and look for the desired results as con- 
fidently as the skillful and experienced physician 
looks for the heart to respond when the proper 
measures are applied to proper nerve centers to 
stimulate it. 

Act on this principle in reference to the church 
as a whole. As stimulating any part of the body 
stimulates the heart and improves the circulation 
throughout the entire organism, so stimulating any 
member of the body of Christ, the church, improves 
the spirituality of the entire church. A few such 
stimulating influences wisely applied often will 
cause the heart-beat of the individual church to be so 
rhythmical and strong and to send life-giving in- 
fluences so far and wide as to give spiritual life to 
the entire community. Thus "salvation will come 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 93 

out of Zion" to the glory of God and the edification 
of multitudes. Let us thus stimulate as much as 
possible. 

In order to get organs to work normally, we 
must get them to work somehow, even though the 
work first done is far from normal, knowing that 
any work means chemical change and may mean 
active nutritive renovation. Lacking better means 
of stimulating digestion, we may use bitters and 
carminatives. Various drugs directly and indirect- 
ly stimulating the liver may be used when the phy- 
sician is unable to apply means that more specifical- 
ly and normally influence this organ, e. g., osteo- 
pathic treatments. 

To get the soul to move normally we must get it 
to move somehow, even though its first movements 
are far from normal, knowing that any movement 
means spiritual change and may mean an active 
nutritive renovation of the soul. Such fanatical 
movements as the Crusades to the Holy Land, and 
such as abnormally preparing for the Advent of 
Christ on a certain date, may have their spiritual 
value. Seeking salvation by such formal acts as 
ascending to the top of the stairway of Pilate's Judg- 
ment Hall, uttering a certain form of prayer on every 
step, as memorizing certain teachings, as attending 
certain forms of worship, may, indeed, indirectly 
lead to this most desirable object, true regeneration. 
However, other more direct and natural means are 
better. Appealing to emotions of a low order, fear, 



94 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

e. g., is not without its spiritual value, though, in the 
progress of the race and the advancement to the 
best means of leading souls, this crude method will 
be supplanted by appeals to such higher emotions as 
love. Let us not look with contempt upon any 
means that may be used in causing hearts to move 
godward, but use the best means at hand. 

When there is an absence of impulses from the 
central nervous system, stimulate peripherally to 
prevent atrophy. Stretching the muscles longitud- 
inally is the most effective measure in behalf of 
these tissues. Massaging and putting passively 
through their normal movements are of great bene- 
fit. The application of electricity, especially the 
faradic current, is helpful. Promoting physiologi- 
cal processes by the application of such means as 
heat and light are not without value. When the ab- 
sence of impulses from the central nervous system 
is due to osseous, or other lesions, interfering with 
the transmission of these impulses to the part affect- 
ed, unquestionably osteopathic treatments are of su- 
perior value in removing these lesions. However, 
the various means of peripheral stimulation just 
mentioned can always be used to an advantage. 

There is never an absence of spiritual impulses 
from the supreme center, God. The means of com- 
municating these to the hearts of men, however, 
may be at fault. Through lower centers, these 
strive to come, and such way-stations may not trans- 
mit the impulses from above, or do so but in part. 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 95 

When churches, ministers, teachers and other cen- 
ters of spiritual life fail thus, let us stimulate those 
to whom spiritual impulses should be transmitted 
through these defective channels much as we peri- 
pherally stimulate the tissues of the body. "Length- 
en the cords and strengthen the stakes," of the few 
that may thus be drawn out. Get them interested 
in some local mission work and the spirit thus de- 
veloped in the few engaged in the Master's service 
will quicken and develop others, reaching finally 
throughout the whole local church which otherwise 
might have dwindled till it had become as pitifully 
shriveled, inactive and inert as the arm hanging 
limply by the side of the paralytic. When an indi- 
vidual says that he is not moved by the Spirit of 
God to become a Christian, though seeing his need 
of spiritual life, put him passively through the 
forms of service that a soul truly vitalized by the 
Spirit of God readily performs, and life from above 
will soon be his. Let one sincerely strive for but a 
day to live as a Christian in prayer and deeds, and 
the Holy Ghost will gloriously enter his soul, quick- 
ening and developing him unto the likeness of God. 
We may be as certain of this as the physician is 
certain that an electric current of the required char- 
acter and strength will stimulate a muscle independ- 
ent of nerve centers. Spiritual fervor, and enlight- 
enment, whether they come through the lamp-like 
individual, through an assembly of such individual 
sources of heat and light acting on the soul as the 






96 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

therapeutic lamp acts on the body, or, directly from 
the Sun of Righteousness, delightfully prevent atro- 
phy and splendidly develop power. 

Unless there are positive indications to the con- 
trary, arrest hemorrhage promptly by the best means 
at hand. The skillful physician may choose be- 
tween many effective methods. He may reduce 
blood pressure to the part affected, apply a tourni- 
quet to the limb above the wound, use manual pres- 
sure on the arteries between the wound and the 
heart, reduce general blood-pressure by an inhibitive 
manipulative treatment from the second to the 
fourth cervicals and by causing fainting by manipu- 
lating the pneumogastric nerves. He may promote 
clotting and the closure of the vessels, using exter- 
nally, tannic acid, perchlorid of iron, silver nitrate, 
hot water, ice, or needles with thread properly twist- 
ed over them so as to press against the vessels af- 
fected. He may use, internally, morphin, atropin, 
gelatin, or nitroglycerin. Causing the patient to 
rest quietly is a very important measure. Keeping 
the wound open to the air is helpful. 

Losing faith is, to the soul, what losing blood is 
to the body, whether it be of faith in God, in Christ, 
in his people, or in the Bible. We should arrest 
this hemorrhage promptly by the best means at 
hand. Reducing the demands made upon faith is, 
under some circumstances, as important as reducing 
blood-pressure in hemorrhage. Show that faith in 
a certain form of inspiration, or in the Scriptures 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 97 

as a modern scientific treatise, is not essential to sal- 
vation and a vigorous spiritual life, that many of 
our most devout and useful Christians, aside from 
these views, see in the Bible a sublime, inspiring 
revelation of God and his most ennobling thoughts 
to his people. Reduce the demands made upon faith 
by giving rest from various lines of Christian work 
when this is needed. Many ministers have returned 
from a vacation with much stronger faith and zeal. 
Many laymen ought to go apart with the Master and 
rest awhile. Certain of the definite promises of God, 
together with examples of his fulfilling these prom- 
ises, should be applied directly to the particular loss 
of faith. As we should keep a bleeding part open to 
the air as much as possible, so we should let nothing 
hinder a free access of the Spirit to a soul losing 
faith; no sin, no impenitence, no lack of consecra- 
tion, nothing in the least out of harmony with the 
will of God. 

A person greatly inclined to bleeding should use 
every measure possible to develop the maximum 
resisting power to a hemorrhage. In the interval 
between the hemorrhages he should use a generous 
but non-stimulating regimen, should live in the fresh 
air, should avoid exposure to cold and dampness and 
should be free from all excitement. Iron and cod- 
liver oil should be used, unless plethora ensues. The 
prolonged use of Rock Bridge alum water, of Virgin- 
ia, has been of service in some cases, in reducing 
the hemorrhages. Just as an individual so predis- 



98 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

posed should thus use every possible preventive mea- 
sure, so a person greatly inclined to lose faith should 
use every means possible to develop the maximum 
resisting power to this grievous tendency. In the 
intervals between these losses he should have a gen- 
erous spiritual diet, feeding upon all portions of the 
Word and especally those presenting Christ as God 
manifest in the flesh. He should study books re- 
enforcing these teachings in the light of modern 
investigations, such as "The Influence of Christ in 
Modern Life," Hillis; u The Gospel for an Age Doubt," 
Van Dyke; "Christ and Modern Unbelief," McKim; 
and "Many Infallible Proofs," Pierson. He should 
live largely in the open atmosphere of broad Chris- 
tian sympathy and activity. He should avoid the 
chilling atmosphere of formalism. Such heated an- 
tagonistic discussions as are occasionally heard in 
some churches should never fall upon his ears. Es- 
pecially should the iron of Christian steadfastness 
be imparted as fully as possible to his soul. 

When a disease is greatly wasting tissue, use 
forced feeding. The need of such a dietary for such 
diseases as tuberculosis, e. g., is so fully recognized 
and well understood that we need scarcely mention 
this principle in reference to the needs of the body. 
However, there are higher needs, subject to like con- 
ditions, that are by no means as clearly observed and 
certainly are not as fully and readily supplied. Con- 
cerning a community famishing for the Gospel and 
wasting away and becoming weaker and weaker 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 99 

spiritually, we hear ministers frequently say, "It is 
not worth while to try to have a revival there; the 
people are not longing for it, much less praying and 
working for a special outpouring of grace." Pro- 
tracted revival services are as much needed by such 
a community as special feeding is needed by a tu- 
bercular patient. Without the aid of extra nourish- 
ment neither can live. As the skillful physician cre- 
ates and develops the needed appetite in the con- 
sumptive, and, together with the furnishing of most 
nutritious and easily digested food, stimulates the 
digestive and assimilative organs till the healthful 
glow comes to the cheek, elasticity to the limb and 
abounding strength throughout the body, so the wise 
minister goes into the spiritually consumptive com- 
munity, creates and develops an appetite for the 
bread of life, yea, the strong meat of the Gospel, 
feeds these most fully in protracted revival services 
and stimulates minds and hearts so effectively that 
the glorious hues of true Christianity color all phases 
of the community's life. Thus the joyful vigor of 
newborn souls is manifested everywhere, and in 
abounding spiritual power is revealed a fulfillment 
of the promise, "They that wait upon the Lord shall 
renew their strength; they shall mount up with 
wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; 
and they shall walk, and not faint." 

Since the most deeply organized tracts of the ner- 
vous system receive the greater stimuli, we should 
especially develop those upon which life and its most 



100 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

important functions depend. A general stimulus 
stimulates the heart largely and most other organs 
but slightly. In this we have a revelation of the fact 
that mother nature has seen to the special develop- 
ment of those tracts of the nervous system upon 
which life depends, has caused the heart, e. g., to 
be stimulated to act though less important organs 
fail. In certain nervous diseases, we have this fact 
brought most impressively before our minds. In 
progressive muscular atrophy, we find that the 
nerves controlling those muscles of little importance 
to life fail first, and the most important, last. Watch 
a patient in the early stage of this disease unbutton 
his coat, and you will observe that he does not use 
the thumb and fingers as the normal person, but 
shoves, and that largely with the back of the hand 
and fingers. Ask him to touch the little finger with 
the thumb and observe that he cannot do so. These 
movements are far from essential to life. The mus- 
cles of the forearm are next affected, then the mus~ 
cles of the arm, and finally those of respiration, the 
ones on which life depends. Nature's mighty forces 
thus hold life enemies at bay as long as possible. 
We may aid her in this beneficent work. During 
health, as well as in the early stages of various dis- 
eases, we can develop the muscles of respiration and 
the nerve tracts governing them, and others funda- 
mental to life, as fully as possible. 

Nature thus strongly presents to us an important 
suggestion concerning the spiritual life. Faith in 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED PROM SYMPTOMS 101 

God and repentance are fundamental to our spir- 
itual existence. Belief in God's love, the manifes- 
tation of God in the flesh and in the Bible as the 
revelation of God are important phases of this faith. 
Let us all, with the ardency and the perseverance 
that mother nature manifests in developing the res- 
piratory muscles and the nerve tracts controlling 
them, develop in ourselves and others such a stal- 
wart faith in God, in Christ and in the Bible, that 
we will hold to these in the face of all opposition 
with that tenacity with which we hold to life. 

In developing this faith, it is well, indeed, that 
we turn all the strengthening forces we can into 
these important channels, letting nothing divert such 
forces into channels upon which spiritual life does 
not depend. Let us help all people to see clearly that 
the Bible does, indeed, reveal God and his will to 
his people. Let us do so in order that these facts 
may be grasped by faith, and assimilated by the mind 
and heart, to the soul's eternal salvation. If a sci- 
entist should be unable to accept the scriptures as 
a scientific treatise, even though you may do so with- 
out difficulty and think you are able to get him to 
do so, help him first, at least, to see that the purpose 
of the Bible is to reveal God, rather than the natural 
sciences, and that many of our most devout Chris- 
tians see in the Bible a revelation of God independent 
of utterances bearing on modern sciences. Show 
the doubter how these views frequently strengthen 
faith. If some struggling soul has difficulty in ac- 



102 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

cepting the theory of the verbal inspiration of the 
Bible, help him to accept wthout wavering the un- 
equivocal fact that the Bible gives us sublime, inspir- 
ing edifying thoughts, such as man, unaided by God, 
would never have had in mind : that these thoughts 
have sublimely edified multitudes who believe that 
God simply gave the noblest thoughts that men were 
able to receive, leaving them to express these 
thoughts in their own way. 

Since vicarious action may be a manifestation 
of natural recovery, we should never hinder, and at 
times we should promote such vicarious functions. 
The kidneys often eliminate what the skin and bow- 
els, because of their diseased condition, are unable 
to carry out of the system, and thus, lessening the 
work put upon these diseased organs, aid their 
recovery. The intestinal tract, in a similar way, 
helps the kidneys. The skin, to some extent, per- 
forms a like service. Unquestionably we may pro- 
mote natural recovery by encouraging such vicar- 
ious actions. 

This principal is especially applicable to attain- 
ing spiritual health. Some of the physical ailments 
can be cured even if one organ is not helped by 
another. Not one of us could even taste of spiritual 
life, much less be cured of spiritual ills, without 
vicarious aid. At once, in this connection, we think 
of the vicarious acts of Christ and our dependence 
upon these for life. Vicarious acts are needed; 
vicarious sacrifices still more needed, but much 



PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM SYMPTOMS 103 

more than these is essential. As the head stands 
sentinel for the body, its eyes seeing enemies 
to be avoided, its ears hearing, its nose smelling, 
its tongue tasting, that the body may be most 
effectively guarded against all dangers, so the 
Head of the body of Christ, the church, vicariously 
uses all divine faculties to protect us adequately 
from the enemies besetting us on every hand. See- 
ing our arch-enemy, unbelief, and our most insid- 
ious foe, lethargic condoning of sin, Christ Jesus 
lived a life of perfect faith, manifested continu- 
ally that sunlight radiance of purity, in the presence 
of which sin can not live, and in his vicarious, 
sacrificial death, through the midnight darkness of 
sin poured the effulgent rays of divine opposition to 
sin so fully and impressively that we can no longer 
look upon sin with the least toleration; at the same 
time, he so pathetically, yet gloriously, revealed the 
love of God to sinners, as to woo successfully the 
hardest heart to forsake the grievous depths of sin 
and folly and flee to the bosom of God to be eternally 
protected by his omnipotent, fatherly arms. 

As the skin, kidneys, digestive tract, and in fact 
all organs of the body, readily act vicariously for 
all others and thus live most fully, most felicitously 
and most continuously, as well as promoting the 
lives of other organs, so we all should readily per- 
form self-sacrificing deeds in behalf of our fellows, 
knowing that our lives, as well as theirs, will thus 
be the more full, happy and continuous; knowing 



104 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

that as the body of man surpasses by millions, in 
all dimensions, that of the isolated, infinitesimally 
small single-celled animal, so the soul, vitally and 
gloriously united with the vicariously functioning 
body of Christ, the church, surpasses by millions, in 
every way, all selfishly isolated souls. 



CHAPTER V 

PRINCIPLES OBSERVED FROM BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS OP 

THE SICK 

Observing a patient during the course of a 
disease enables a physician to see principles of heal- 
ing that otherwise never would be observed, and 
most advantageously to make practical applications 
of these. In the midst of the fight for life, he may 
see how to strike most directly and effectively. Oft- 
times his most successful efforts will be unpre- 
meditated, unforseen in the light of theoretical con- 
siderations, and occasionally even counter to them. 
Alert, quick, direct and wise must be his actions to 
secure the best results in the midst of the emer- 
gencies of actual practice. 

He who would minister to souls most skillfully, 
must be even better equipped with an alert mind 
and a readily responsive heart. The spirits of men 
are as changeable at times as the fitful breezes. In 
some instances we must alter their courses and 
nature at once, else we may never be able to reach 
and transform them. Blessed, indeed, is the Chris- 
tian worker who has the ability to see at once his 
opportunity in the midst of changing spirits and 
orders, and successfully makes use of it. 

This ability is so greatly needed by many who 
otherwise are remarkably well equipped for spirit- 
ual service that we long to aid as much as possible 



106 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

in developing it. One of my most devout and stud- 
ious Christian friends accomplishes practically 
nothing in leading souls to the Master, though most 
diligent in his efforts to do so. He has a vast array 
of Scriptural texts logically and scientifically ar- 
ranged and memorized, that he may use the Sword 
of the Spirit as the well-drilled soldier. He fails, 
however, of striking quickly, directly and ardently 
enough, in accord with the demand of the occasion. 
He is hampered by the steel armor of formality, 
the rigid rules of his pre-arranged system and the 
unresponsive, though devout, spirit within his own 
breast. When attempting to lead souls, he turns 
the pages to texts he wishes to bring to bear upon 
the one before him. Far better ofttimes would it 
be if he would throw them out as burning brands 
from his own enkindled mind and burning heart. 
He plans to lead through every objection, every ex- 
cuse and every phase of impenitence, to thorough 
repentance and perfect faith. He tries to do so ac- 
cording to fixed rules of logic and scientific ac- 
curacy. If the needy soul moves out of the fixed 
grooves, though heavenward, he is non-plussed, he 
can not at once give that slight aid to the wings 
of faith that the soul needs in its attempted flight 
heavenward. When he is ready the wings are 
weakened and the spirit lacking. 

How different from this man is the really suc- 
cessful practical Christian worker in the heat and 
dust of spiritual conflicts! Many of these have 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 107 

neglected to prepare for personal work as thorough- 
ly as this brother, yet they accomplish much more. 
Why? They quickly, directly and wisely meet the 
needs of the occasions as these arise. Like the in- 
telligent and conscientious physician, they consider 
well all possible emergencies and plan, to the best 
of their ability, effectively to meet them ; but suffer- 
ing not themselves to be hampered by pre-arranged 
plans, their alert minds and ready hearts spring into 
the arena of spiritual conflicts to parry, divert, hold 
and strike till the enemy is vanquished and the soul 
rises triumphant. To aid in developing this much 
needed practical power, we set forth the following 
principles. 

Relax not your vigilance ; but rather watch most 
closely and act in accord with the slightest indica- 
tion of need when the patient assures you listlessly 
that he feels better, and yet is indifferent in regard 
to the outlook for the future. A wise physician, 
being ready to impart energy and use his own, may 
well cause the patient to realize that what to him 
feels like velvety, comforting, gracious folds, are 
really the fore-runners of the serpent-like bands of 
death. Having, by thus disillusioning the patient, 
and, also, by encouraging words stimulated his 
flagging energies, the physician may now, by giving 
all the aid he possibly can, be able to turn him from 
death and triumphantly lead him to life. 

In certain diseases the wise doctor is especially 
alert, expecting such emergencies to arise. When 



108 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

a person is so cold that the Frost King may claim 
him as a victim at any moment, such a physician 
does not hail with delight the feeling of comfort, 
sleepiness and general well-being. He vigorously 
disturbs the comfort, radically stimulates wakeful- 
ness and forcibly prevents the feeling of well-being, 
that life may survive. When the tubercular patient 
feels the flame of life burning more brightly, cheer- 
fully and inspiringly, the experienced physician 
does not, in every instance, speak as hopefully to 
the relatives as they expect him to. In fact while 
they are on the crest of the wave of hope he sees that 
it is well to prepare them for the descent into the 
succeeding trough of disappointment, that they may 
not go to the depths of despair. 

He who would not fail on the eve of success in 
leading souls to health will not relax his vigilance, 
but rather will watch most closely and will act in 
accord with the slightest indication of need when 
the soul assures him listlessly that he feels better 
and still appears indifferent in regard to the outlook 
for the future. The seeker for salvation, and the 
assurance of the possession of that supreme bless- 
ing, may become thus listless and indifferent merely 
on account of waning conviction. The need is still 
as great. Merely the feeling of need is passing 
away. Satanic forces, physical exhaustion, or mis- 
conceptions may cause this weakening of convic- 
tion even though sins are unconfessed and repent- 
ance is insufficient. When the joy of the sublime 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 109 

spiritual life does not scintillate in the eye, when 
the ardor of the soul kindled by heavenly flames is 
not felt in the warm grasp of the hand and when the 
ardent efforts in behalf of the kingdom of God, 
which are spontaneously made by a soul truly 
linked to God, are not manifested, we may well 
question the reality of a professed change of life, 
unquestionably so when the profession is made list- 
lessly and indifferently. 

Let us at once, under such circumstances, ply the 
Sword of the Spirit, piercing to the depths of the 
unrepented sin, cutting loose the Satanic forces, and, 
while stimulating the flagging heart, lead to heights 
celestial, far away from the slippery decline down 
which so many slide to the depths of spiritual in- 
difference and thus take these souls far away from 
the pale of spiritual death. 

Frequently after a patient is started along the 
highway of recovery, we see the indications of a 
shattered nervous system. We should aid in restor- 
ing such a wrecked nervous organism by calling 
into use its various functions in the order of their 
natural development. Those nerve forces control- 
ling the gross movements of the trunk and large 
joints have developed early in the progress of the 
race and of individuals. Those controlling move- 
ments of more skill — e. g. those that guide the pen 
and the brush — are of comparatively late develop- 
ment. 



HO SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

In St. Vitus' Dance the forces of the various 
nerves are in a chaotic state. How can we restore 
to these nerves their needed functions? Many 
means may be advantageously used. One of the 
most important is in accord with the principle we 
are now considering. Give a definite set of physical 
exercises calling into play the muscles controlling 
the more fundamental movements of the trunk. 
Suffer not other movements to be attempted at first. 
Proceed gradually to the use of those requiring 
somewhat more skill. Control will thus be gained 
most readily and effectively. 

Paul wrote in accord with this scientific fact 
and its application to the needs of afflicted souls 
when he penned these words: u Him that is weak 
in the faith receive ye ; but not to doubtful disputa- 
tions." The fundamentals of faith should be set 
forth clearly and insisted on, but nothing further 
for a time. The chief virtues of true Christians 
should be exemplified before him and he should be 
led to emulate these. At rest should his soul be 
for the present in reference to other matters. 

Of course deeds out of harmony with true 
virtues, whether requiring skill or not, are far from 
permissible in such afflicted ones; but those deeds 
requiring the skill of the well-developed and healthy 
should not be attempted at all. Should the choreic 
patient attempt deeds requiring great dexterity, he 
probably would succeed no better than the babe in 
the crib, and he would be quite apt to injure the 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS HI 

articles he handles. Certainly he would injure his 
own nervous system. In fact too close confinement 
to writing and other vocations of skill, is a fruitful 
cause of St. Vitus' Dance. Likewise should the 
brother possessing spiritual faculties, created for 
most exalted spiritual endeavors, but with those 
under as little control as the muscles of the choreic 
patient, now attempt deeds in these lines, he 
will And his efforts quite futile, even injurious, and 
especially so to himself. Many overworked minis- 
ters, evangelists and lay-workers making unwise 
statements, and doing indiscreet deeds, are thus 
erring because of having become spiritually choreic. 
Observations at the bed-side of the afflicted have 
deeply impressed upon us the fact that we should 
never give an opiate to an infant. A certain blueish 
discoloration of the skin indicating failure of cir- 
culation and foreboding heart-failure so often fol- 
lows the administration of such drugs that wise phy- 
sicians, indeed, considerate parents, have entirely 
stopped giving such medicines to the newly-born 
for any ailment. Let us use all physiological means 
of alleviating these frail patients, and we will suc- 
ceed without the least detriment to them. However, 
we would better suffer the worse crying, sleepless- 
ness and other distressing symptoms, rather than 
jeopardize the life of one of these little sufferers by 
the use of any opiate. Normal, free, full and con- 
stant circulation is so essential to infantile life that 
we must not suffer anything to interfere in the least 



112 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

with this prerequisite to living. Much less should 
we put into the delicate system anything so marked- 
ly foreign and injurious to it as opium. 

Again and again there comes up before my mind 
and heart a multitude of anemic, emaciated, en- 
feebled, life-burdened children cursed forever by 
laudanum, soothing syrups and like insidious, even 
winsome, but satanic enemies standing at the very 
threshold of life, ready to take hold of our most prec- 
ious possessions, with at first, indeed, a velvety 
touch, but finally with a demoniac grip hurling for- 
ever our beloved little ones to the most grievous 
depths of misery and degradation. Oh let us not be 
deceived by the syren voices that would thus entice 
us to lead most precious lives to destruction! 

He who is spiritually in his infancy certainly 
should never be opiated in any way. Many of his 
manifestations of spiritual life may be painful to 
himself and others, but this life itself must not be 
jeopardized by such suppressive means. As opium 
causes a marked interference in the newly-born with 
the circulation of the blood, so certain suppressive 
measures, applied to young converts, cause a most 
grievous interference with the course of those 
virtues imparted by the blood of Christ. Those 
churches in w 7 hich the babes in Christ are held back 
from lives of spiritual activity have jeopardized 
many souls, and have produced many dwarfs. 
Those that encourage testimony and spiritual ser- 
vice according to the ability of the young converts, 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 113 

have graciously and gloriously developed many 
hearts. 

A principle well worthy of our consideration 
is that true sympathy, sincerely and intelligently 
manifested, is of considerable therapeutic value. So 
true is this and so deeply is it impressed upon those 
having experience at the bed-side of the afflicted 
that we readily agree with Dr. Harry Forbes when 
he says, "Only in those societies in which you have 
a pain when I have a pain are there systems of 
therapeutics.'' This sympathy, however, must be 
sincerely and intelligently manifested in order to be 
really valuable. Let an hysterical patient be sur- 
rounded by friends always filled to overflowing with 
sympathy and inclined to let this flow without 
restraint, and thus ofttimes out of the channels of 
sincerity and intelligence, and the patient continual- 
ly grows worse. Take this afflicted one out of this 
unfortunate environment and into a hospital with 
noble-hearted as well as intelligent physicians and 
well-trained, sympathetic nurses, and improvement 
is readily manifested. 

Tradition tells us that John, the beloved apostle, 
for many years and till long after he was too feeble 
to preach a regular sermon, went every Sunday 
before the church with this earnest exhortation, 
"Little children love one another." He saw that 
true sympathy in spiritual matters is so important 
that he made most diligent efforts to develop this 



114 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

in the hearts of Christians and to cause them to do 
every thing possible to develop it. 

In directing true sympathy by a wise mind as 
well as a fervent heart, John often showed his sur- 
passing ability. After an extended and most suc- 
cessful ministry in Ephesus, he departed for a time, 
leaving the church in the special care of an elder 
living in that city. On his return he inquired 
especially concerning the spiritual condition of a 
certain young man whom he had requested the elder 
to care for most faithfully. This officer replied, 
"Oh! he has gone grievously astray. He is now a 
bandit. He is even at the head of a lawless band 
committing most horrible deeds in the wilderness 
to the north." "What a weakling and heartless 
fellow have I left in charge of this feeble brother," 
said the beloved apostle. Mounting a horse he rode 
with all possible speed and a full heart into the 
presence of this bandit and his lawless tribe. 
Falling on his knees before him he plead with this 
wayward fellow, from the depths of his fervent soul, 
to repent and to return with all his heart from his 
wickedness to godliness. He thus led him back to 
God. A good judgment as well as a truly sym- 
pathetic heart caused John to reprove the negligent 
elder with cutting words, and to plead with the 
wayward youth with most tender expressions mani- 
festly coming from a bleeding heart. 

In dealing with feeble people we see that since 
structural adaptation must be developed gradually, 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 115 

a gradual increase of functional activity is essential 
to a normal, healthful and complete development of 
the organs of the body and the faculties of the 
soul. This is so obvious in reference to the physical 
being that we need not dwell upon this phase of the 
principle. We all know how gradually the infant 
needs to pass from the use of those foods making 
but little demand on the digestive organs to those 
requiring more digestive power, how moderately the 
would-be athlete needs to proceed in his approach 
to the strenuous exercises, and, how even the labor- 
er must advance gradually from the lighter to the 
heavier tasks. 

u Lay hands suddenly on no man," said Paul 
when having in mind the welfare of the church. 
We can well make like statements in view of the 
spiritual health and development of those engaged 
in church work. The importance of gradually 
bringing into use the functional powers of the soul, 
that it may properly develop and retain health, is 
frequently and deeply impressed upon the mind and 
heart of the experienced minister, especially the one 
having a knowledge of the laws pertaining to the 
welfare of both the body and the soul. Young 
preachers, losing their spiritual balance through be- 
ing thrown precipitously into work too heavy for 
their soul's powers, have frequently become fanatics. 
Spiritual chorea, neurasthenia and paralysis are 
some of the affections following in the wake of such 
conditions of strain. Many leaders of young peo- 



116 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

pie's societies and of missionaries' organizations 
have far too often been afflicted by like spiritual ail- 
ments, due to like causes. 

Again and again, patients come to the practician 
whose condition impresses him deeply with the fact 
that we should gradually decrease exercises that 
atrophy may not fail. This is especially true of 
athletes. These markedly develop the muscles of 
the heart. Let them suddenly and for weeks stop 
their vigorous and extended exercises, and the over- 
developed heart will be quite apt to fall a prey to 
one, or more, of the various affections to which it is 
subject. Its muscles, instead of gradually decreas- 
ing in size, and still retaining their tonicity and their 
normal functioning power, as they do when exer- 
cises are gradually decreased under such circum- 
stances, become flabby, relaxed and thus possessed 
of little functioning power and slight resistance to 
disease. Like expressions might truthfully be made 
concerning all the muscles of the body. 

Circumstances may lead a person, temporarily at 
least, from a life of marked spiritual activity to a 
life making slight demands upon his soul in direct 
Christian service. A young Christian spending most 
of his time in Christian work, perchance in the min- 
istry itself, may go to college to spend most of his 
time in diligent study. Possibly this may be for the 
laudable purpose of preparing for greater usefulness 
in behalf of the kingdom of God, but if all, or near- 
ly all, direct efforts of mind and heart in behalf of 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 117 

the spiritual welfare of his fellows cease, not only 
will the powers of his soul to perform such minis- 
trations gradually pass away; but as grievous dis- 
eases of the heart attack the athlete under like cir- 
cumstances, so like diseases of the soul attack the 
Christian who thus unwisely, negligently, even sin- 
fully, ceases, or too markedly decreases his direct 
efforts in behalf of the kingdom of our Lord. Evan- 
gelists, pastors taking vacations, and laymen, active 
in their home church, when moving to a place 
where they are not naturally led out into Christian 
activity, need especially to keep this principle in 
mind and always do some Christian work as they 
have opportunity. One important reason for doing 
so is that their own spiritual health and strength de- 
mand it. 

In connection with the principles now before 
us we are impressed with the fact that functional 
activity determines structural conditions. We should 
then encourage such functions as will develop the 
desired structures. This principle is readily ac- 
knowledged to be in accord with the laws of the 
physical man and is largely observed. The school-boy 
desiring biceps that will challenge the admiration of 
his playmates, fails not to exercise these muscles 
duly and systematically. Laura Bridgeman, a blind 
deaf-mute, earnestly desiring the ability to recog- 
nize her friends, so marvelously developed the end- 
plates of the nerves in her hands, by wise use and 
concentrated attention, that she was able after the 



118 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

lapse of a year to recognize the hand of a person 
who had but once touched hers. 

Certainly the diligence, self-denial and intelli- 
gence manifested by those who would develop such 
physical organs as they long for, put many of us 
to shame whose souls have far from the desired 
characteristics. We bewail our manifold short-com- 
ings in development and life. Well, indeed, it is 
for us to do so; but let us at once become at least 
as enthusiastic in developing the desired traits of 
character as the schoolboy in developing his biceps. 
Indeed, let us do so with fully as much wisdom and 
concentrated attention as Laura Bridgeman put 
forth in securing the marvelous development just 
mentioned. Certainly like glorious results will be 
ours for like efforts. Yea, much greater will they 
be. The Holy Spirit and Christ Jesus will come into 
and course through our souls more readily and ef- 
fectively than the physically developing forces per- 
form a like service for our bodies. 

Further, we should be ever ready to suffer any 
hardship for that supremely valuable development of 
the soul that will enable us most readily to distin- 
guish the good from the evil and respond to the 
good. Jimmy Valentine not only put forth most 
ardent efforts to develop his sense of touch; but at 
times used such painful means as sandpapering his 
fingers down to the quick. It is said that he suc- 
ceeded so well that he became able to open any 
u bank-safe without tools or the combinations sim- 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 119 

ply by the sense of touch." He had done this for 
most unworthy objects; but in a critical moment he 
thus saved the life of a little girl, accidentally locked 
in a safe when no one present knew the combination. 
Painful are some of the available means of acquir- 
ing a like sensitive spiritual touch. Let us, however, 
greatly rejoice when such means are at hand and 
most readily use them. 

Closely akin to these principles concerning struc- 
tural conditions is this, retaining health requires 
ready adaptation to a changing environment. Phys- 
ically, in a well-constituted organism, this is done 
quite readily and effectively. Let a sudden change 
of temperature surround a person so fortunately 
constituted and the heat centering in the brain and 
cord will at once cause the skin, the lungs, the mus- 
cles, the glands and other organs to act in such a 
way as to meet the needs of the changed conditions. 
Let a person having less power to meet promptly 
the requirements of such a changing environment 
be under like circumstances, and he will fall a 
ready prey to catarrhal affections, kidney troubles, 
rheumatism, la grippe, pneumonia, tuberculosis and 
many other ills leading to the grave. 

Even to the abnormal, our organs have the abil- 
ity to become adapted sufficiently to retain health. 
Let some foreign substance that cannot be expelled 
enter the bronchial tubes. Immediately after mak- 
ing unsuccessful efforts to dislodge the body, the 
normal bronchial tubes, lungs and other respiratory 



120 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

organs will adapt themselves to the changed con- 
ditions. The walls of the bronchial tubes will be- 
come larger, the lungs themselves will expand more 
fully and even the remote respiratory centers will 
respond to the demands of the abnormal conditions, 
and aid in retaining the health of the organism by 
causing deeper and more frequent respirations. He 
whose organs are not thus promptly adapted to such 
conditions will readily become afflicted with bron- 
chitis, asthma and kindred diseases. 

It is well for us to observe that we become adapt- 
ed to the normal without the least harm, and that, 
though health may apparently be long retained, 
adaptation to the abnormal always is accompanied 
by some injury to the organism. This is especially 
observed in connection with becoming adapted to 
the use of such drugs as morphin and cocain. 

Both as individual Christians and as churches, 
it is especially important during the present era 
that we hold this principle in mind. The normal en- 
vironment of every soul is the Spirit of God. 
Through Jesus Christ primarily is the Spirit re- 
vealed and brought to bear effectively upon our 
hearts, thus developing us in spiritual health and 
godliness. In every age, and In peculiar ways in 
this age, forces manifest themselves in our environ- 
ment calculated to cause us to have such conceptions 
of Christ as to lessen the influences of the divine 
forces intended to be brought to bear upon our souls 
through him. Doubting the divinity of Christ, fail- 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 121 

ing to see that he is indeed "God manifest in the 
flesh," that he is the deity brought most effectively, 
indeed, most gloriously before our minds and hearts, 
failing thus, we say, of getting into and remaining 
in vital touch with our true spiritual environment, 
leads to sickness of heart, inanition, indeed, death 
itself. 

What should we do in the midst of such a 
changing environment? Refuse to be modified there- 
by in the least? Such an attitude would, sooner or 
later, be disastrous. In regard to the life of the soul 
as truly as in regard to all other life, it is absolute- 
ly certain that the ability to adapt to a changing en- 
vironment is the supreme test of the vitality of the 
organism. Not adapting to a changing order im- 
plies that little life exists and that death is not far 
distant. 

The special importance today of realizing the 
truth of this principle and acting in accord with it, 
has been deeply impressed upon us by the words 
and deeds of Dr. G. W. Northrup, one of the most 
honored and trusted theologians of this age. Not 
long since, he said, "Every department of know- 
ledge has become new in substance and form in 
thirty years." Among the new expressions of this 
new knowledge he mentioned evolution, higher 
criticism, Ritchlean theology and Christian social- 
ism. Though by no means embracing all the teach- 
ings of these new movements he readily adapted his 
teaching and his life to meet the requirements of 



122 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

the truths embodied in the new revelations. He did 
this readily and effectively, though having already 
reached an age in which such changes are scarcely 
considered possible. He thus proved his vitality and 
worthiness of living much longer, much more fully, 
and greatly extending his sphere of usefulness. 

That we must become adapted to the new order 
cannot be questioned. The sooner and the more 
thoroughly we do so the more spiritual vitality we 
shall have and far more abundant will be the spirit- 
ual life in the churches of the future. Embracing 
all the teachings set forth in connection with these 
new movements is by no means necessary. Hos- 
pitable to the truths contained therein, however, we 
must be. Receptive must be our minds and hearts 
to the constructive elements thus set forth, and ready 
and skillful must we be in adjusting our teachings 
and our lives to the changed conditions. 

Further, adjust the organism to the environment 
whenever possible. It is far better, usually, to change 
the organism to suit its surroundings than it is to 
put it into a different environment. If an asthmatic 
patient should be taken from a locality where he has 
had frequent attacks of his malady to a climate more 
favorable, he will for a time be much better; but 
will not be normal since the bronchial tubes espec- 
ially will not be in a healthy condition. This is, in 
practically every case, manifested by the fact that 
when the patient returns to the former environment 
the paroxysms return. Give to him a course of well 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 123 

directed osteopathic treatments restoring normal 
nerve and blood supply to the bronchial tubes and 
the kidneys, when the latter are involved, and he will 
be more healthy in the locality formerly injurious 
than he otherwise could be in any place. Further- 
more, he will be able to go with comfort and happi- 
ness into any place other well people go. A thou- 
sand such facts might be cited demonstrating the 
truth of this principle. 

The Master said, "I pray not that thou shouldest 
take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest 
keep them from the evil." To be spiritually healthy, 
we need not be in ideal surroundings. We should 
not even pray for, or seek, this apparent boon. The 
ascetics did so, but to their misfortune. They had 
less vitality of soul than otherwise would have been 
theirs. Many well-disposed Christians today pray 
for the privilege of living in a community of better 
and more numerous followers of Christ and better 
churches. To any one thus longing we say for your 
welfare, as well as for' the advancement of the king- 
dom where you now live, my brother, our Lord 
probably wants you to do as he did. He was reared 
in "Nazareth which, maelstrom-like, drew into it- 
self every vice of a most vicious age. But there he 
grew the fairest flower that ever bloomed, seeming 
as the lily in the slough to draw delicate whiteness 
out of the very filth." 

The principle just set forth is of the highest 
order. A lower, but under some circumstances a 



124 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

valuable one, is this, adjust the environment to the 
organism when it is not possible to adjust the organ- 
ism to the environment. A few tubercular patients, 
in accord with this fact, may properly be taken to 
another locality. Indeed, some lives may thus be 
saved that otherwise would be lost. 

Since the normal spiritual environment of the 
soul is God himself, what can we possibly say of 
value by way of adjusting the environment to the 
organism? Much more than at first we think. In- 
directly, as well as directly, does God come into vital 
touch with hearts. The more direct his access is, 
the better. More directly does he come through the 
forms of worship of certain churches than of others. 
Let every church and every pastor aid Christians 
as, much as possible in coming into most direct and 
vital touch with God. 

Such an adjustment of an environment to a spir- 
itual organism you doubtless consider of a relative- 
ly high order, and sanction steps to secure it. Follow 
us now in statements embodying this same princi- 
ple though the adjustment advocated is not so in- 
spiring as that just mentioned. 

Under some circumstances it is well to modify 
some of the externals and non-essentials of certain 
religious movements for the spiritual welfare of 
those reared under other than ideal Christian sur- 
roundings. In the City of Rome, magnificent cathe- 
drals, most beautiful images, most edifying paint- 
ings, sacred music of the highest order and in many 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 125 

respects inspiring sermons, delivered under circum- 
tances calculated to impress the heart of the wor- 
shipper most deeply, have been in easy access of the 
inhabitants for ages. 

The very climatic conditions and the temper- 
ament of the people cause them to rejoice in, and 
to long for, such means of stimulating the emotions. 
A traveler speaks of hunting up the Baptist church 
in that city. He found, after much diligent effort, 
a little, rather dilapidated, insignificant meeting- 
house in an out-of-the-way section. The minister 
himself arrived late. Scarcely any inspiring music 
was sung and even less inspiration was there in the 
discourse. Unquestionably an environment in many 
respects much more like that in the Catholic 
churches, especially as regards sublime external 
means of inspiring the devotional spirit, would reach 
and save many more souls in that magnificent city. 
Of course without the Spirit of God within we can 
do nothing, but with this within and a splendid in- 
spiring environment, we can ofttimes do more than 
with the Spirit alone. 

In all our ministrations it is well for us to keep 
in mind the fact that since, as a rule, sensations of 
pleasure are conducive to health and sensations of 
pain to disease, we should most freely use means of 
increasing pleasure and be most chary in our use 
of measures causing pain. 

For generations we have been approaching a 
realization and application of this principle. Our 



126 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

primitive ancestors used most unpleasant incanta- 
tions and inflicted most painful wounds upon the 
sick to drive out the demons of disease. Most un- 
palatable medicines, severe cautery, copious bleed- 
ing, exceedingly drastic purgatives and still more 
unpleasant, even most painful measures, have been 
most readily used. The more severe the remedy, the 
more effective the treatment has been the supposition. 
Scientific observations of the sick, as well as sym- 
pathy for the afflicted, have been leading us away 
from these barbarian practices. Such scientific treat- 
ices as u The Therapeutic Value of Pleasure and Pain" 
have been leading physicians to better things. The 
unpalatable drug is sugar coated, cautery is made 
painless, bleeding is seldom resorted to, and anes- 
thetics have transmuted this painful process into a 
pleasure, and drastic measures that gripe and wrench 
and tear and even kill, have been delightfully super- 
seded by means that lead smoothly, joyfully and 
readily to health. 

Religiously this principle is most important. 
Slow have we been in applying it, but early was its 
value realized. Moses, while presenting the funda- 
mental principle of true religion, said, "Rejoice in 
all that thou puttest thine hand unto." Frequently 
was the thought of this inspired leader reiterated and 
its application broadened till Paul made this most 
impressive and widely applicable statement, "Re- 
joice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice." 
Such recent works as "Optimism, the Remedy," im- 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 127 

press us not only with a deep sense of the physi- 
cal benefits, but also the spiritual blessing derived 
from rejoicing under all circumstances. Scientists, 
with the aid of the microscope, have revealed the 
fact that unpleasant emotions, anger, e. g., cause the 
generation of toxins that vitiate the blood, thus un- 
dermining the strength of the body. Unquestionably 
these undesirable emotions, being more vitally con- 
nected with the soul, still more grievously under- 
mine spiritual vitality. 

Certainly under all these influences we ought to 
have been led to use every means possible of elimin- 
ating unpleasant emotions. Have we learned this 
lesson? Indeed, not. We are as children, rebelling 
in many things rather than rejoicing, "in all that we 
put our hands unto." Some things we have to do are 
essentially unpleasant, we say. In some respects 
this is true, but there is enough that is pleasant con- 
nected with everything the Lord would have us do 
to enable us to heed the divine exhortation in regard 
to always rejoicing. Thinking of the pleasant fea- 
tures of our work and especially the results of our 
efforts, together with consecration to and harmony 
with God, will cause a strong current of joy always 
to flow through our souls. Compared to these, the 
counter currents will be but ripples. 

In connection with considering the influences of 
sensations of pleasure, it is well for us to have be- 
fore us some principles concerning the effects of 
light, a most prolific source of such sensations, 



128 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

A principle of vast importance is that as certain 
rays of light-energy cure certain diseases, so certain 
rays of spiritual energy relieve certain spiritual ail- 
ments. Tubercular infections of the skin can be 
cured by the violet rays. Because these rays are 
most active in killing bacteria they can be used most 
effectively, also, in many other infections. Such 
rays, however, should not be used in small-pox. 
In this disease and in scarlet fever and measles, the 
red rays are most beneficial. In treating nervous 
disorders by light we need always to bear in mind 
the fact that green exerts at first a restful influence 
and later becomes oppressve, that yellow cheers, that 
red warms and increases the inclination to activity, 
and that blue is cold, cooling the fiery passions, thus 
causing the maniac, e. g., to become tranquil. 

Centuries of bedside observations of the sick 
and years of scientific applications of the various 
rays of light have been required to reach these defin- 
ite conclusions concerning their beneficent influ- 
ences. Have we yet such definite knowledge con- 
cerning like spiritual rays? Not concerning all 
rays from the Sun of Righteousness, but concern- 
ing some we certainly have. True love in the godly 
hearts warm the souls within the church as delight- 
fully as the red blaze on the hearth warms the family 
within the home. Pure joy, from fountains celes- 
tial, abiding in one soul certainly causes others to 
rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory as 
truly as we are cheered on beholding the golden 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 129 

tresses of a little girl in a waving field of golden 
wheat. Peace, radiating from the Prince of Peace, 
reaching our hearts, gives to our souls a rest so true 
and satisfying that it can be no more than faintly 
symbolized by the like sensation felt by our eyes 
when, after having long and painfully beheld the 
barren plains in a bright sunlight, they gratefully 
rest upon an extended green lawn with an abundant 
background of green foliage. The long-suffering, 
graciously manifested by the nonconformists during 
their campaign of passive resistance in the British 
Isles, quieted the grievous passions of many even 
more effectively than maniacs have been calmed by 
being treated by blue rays of light. 

Absolutely certain are we of the truths thus far 
set forth concerning primary colors and the like in- 
fluences of their corresponding spiritual virtues. 
Indeed, we are but a trifle less sure that we are pro- 
gressing on the solid ground of truth in presenting 
the following statements. 

Orange, that color between the yellow and red, 
cheers and stimulates to action. It is vitally related 
to a virtue between love and joy. In the words of 
Peter this is brotherly kindness. This is love in ac- 
tion. Let any one act nobly in behalf of his fellows 
in their misfortunes and a like virtue is most readily 
stimulated in others. Far more frequently is this 
manifested in reference to brotherly kindness than 
any other virtue. Witness the numerous incidents 
in this line in the time of any great disaster, espec- 



130 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

ially the extensive, immediate and most gracious 
providing for the needs of the sufferers from the 
San Francisco disaster. 

The violet rays are the most healing rays of the 
spectrum. Scarcely any of the bacteria causing dis- 
ease can survive them. Catarrh, hemorrhage, pneu- 
monia, diptheria, tuberculosis, neuralgia, chorea and 
many skin affections are a few of the diseases that 
have been effectively combated by the violet rays. 
What virtue most effectively combats diseases of the 
soul? Doubtless godliness in the hearts and lives 
of true Christians restores more souls to health than 
any other human means. In light-therapy we would 
be almost powerless without the violet rays : in spir- 
itual healing, by means of light from above, even 
the Sun of Righteousness would be practically pow- 
erless without the violet rays of godliness from the 
hearts and lives of His people. How important it is 
that we all live truly godly lives ! 

But one more of the primary colors is left for our 
consideration, indigo. Practically but one of the 
virtues enumerated by Peter and Paul is left, tem- 
perance. Between the cold blue and the healing vio- 
let lies the indigo. Between passive long-suffering 
and converting godliness lies temperance. Indigo 
is somewhat cold and somewhat healing. Temper- 
ance partakes of the nature of long-suffering, being 
a virtue of self-denial. It also has a spiritualizing 
influence in behalf of those before whom it is mani- 
fested. Unquestionably and most potently so when 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 131 

an intemperate man has become truly temperate 
through regeneration by the Spirit of God. 

Those familiar with Paul's statements in his let- 
ter to the Galatians concerning the fruit of the 
Spirit and Peter's enumeration of the various virtues 
in his second epistle will observe that, though under 
somewhat different names, we have included all 
these except faith. This really is a means of re- 
ceiving virtues. As the white light carries to us all 
the various hues of the rainbow with their splendor 
and beneficent influences, so faith in the Sun of 
Righteousness brings to our souls all the virtues in 
all their glory and exalting power. 

In view of all preceding considerations, and the 
different natures of various patients, we see that we 
need to individualize treatment. In doing so we are 
led to treat women differently from men. The hom- 
eopaths have progressed somewhat further than 
physicians of other schools in this line. They fre- 
quently choose a different remedy for a woman than 
a man; indeed a different one for a woman of one 
type from that used for another. Pulsatilla, e. g., is 
used for a blue-eyed, light-haired, passive woman, 
when another remedy would be chosen for the same 
disease, were the individual of a different sex and 
type. 

In spiritual ministrations we frequently need to 
treat women quite differently from men. Their na- 
tures are different. In women the emotions are more 
prominent: in men the intellect usually outweighs 



132 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

the emotions. Largely because of this the doubts of 
women more frequently bear upon their personal re- 
lations to their Savior : those of men usually concern 
their intellectual conceptions of God, His nature and 
his work. The virtues of women are more largely 
of the passive variety: those of men are of the ac- 
tive. 

In view of these facts, we should think that such 
preaching as appeals primarily to the emotions 
would reach a larger percentage of women than of 
men. We see a larger number of the former in the 
most of our churches. Doubtless one of the causes 
is that far too many ministers are primarily emo- 
tional preachers. At times, indeed, the emotions 
should predominate; but, to reach people in whom 
the intellect holds sway, we certainly need to mould 
intellectual conceptions sufficiently to cause a re- 
ceptive attitude toward ennobling emotions. We 
must get into sympathetic touch with the doubter, 
see clearly the line of reasoning that has led to his 
skepticism, point out its defects and lead him def- 
initely along the highway of truth till he joyfully 
reaches the heights of faith. Inspiring emotions will 
immediately and spontaneously be his. More doubt- 
dispelling, intellectual sermons will lead to far 
more ennobling emotions and godly living, especially 
in men. 

Further, deeds must be performed by the church 
that will appeal to the minds of men as not only 
pure and good and somewhat helpful ; but sufficient- 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 133 

ly great, far-reaching and masculine to appeal most 
forcibly to all the ennobling emotions of the most 
virile manhood. The religion that will reach men, 
certainly needs to be, as James Russell Lowell says, 
more than 

"An ambulance 

To fetch life's wounded malingerers in 

Scorned by the strong." 

We should treat people of one temperament dif- 
ferently from those of another whether we are min- 
istering to their physical, or spiritual, welfare. We 
know that suggestive therapy is more effective on 
those of the vital-mental temperament than on those 
otherwise constituted, that Pulsatilla is of greater 
value in behalf of the light-complexioned, blue-eyed, 
passive individual than one having a temperament 
possessing opposite characteristics, and the wise os- 
teopath will give a far less vigorous treatment to 
such a person than to one in whom the motive tem- 
perament predominates. 

We must not disregard the peculiar temperament 
of individuals in endeavoring to mould their souls 
in godliness. Some readily heed a mere suggestion. 
These, as we would expect from what has just been 
said, are usually of the vital-mental temperament. 
Some are readily influenced by such means as the 
wise and true mother uses when pacifying the rest- 
less, troublesome, agitated infant: by comforting, 
winning, musical words. These are of a passive, 



134 SPIRITUAL HEALTH 

receptive spirit. Others need authoritative, vigor- 
ous, rebuking, commanding words. These should 
usually be used in behalf of those of the motive tem- 
perament. 

Do churches observe these facts? Certainly not 
to a sufficient extent. Prof. Geo. A. Goe stated an 
impressive truth when he said, "Jesus' simple and 
universally human conception of the spiritual life 
has been warped into particular temperamental 
forms in organized Christianity." Being thus warp- 
ed, certain organizations can reach to an advantage 
only those of a certain temperament. The Catholic 
can most readily reach those easily dominated by 
authority: the Methodist, those markedly influenced 
by emotional services. Both these and other organ- 
izations, however, are being gradually moulded 
more in accord with Jesus' "universally human 
conception of the spiritual life" and are thus be- 
coming more useful. 

In view of the facts now before us, we more 
fully appreciate the spirit of Emerson when he 
wrote, 

"I like a church; I like a cowl; 
I love a prophet of the soul, 
And on my heart monastic aisles 
Fall like sweet strains or pensive smiles: 
Yet not for all his faith can see 
Would I that cowled church-man be." 

No more, then, should we endeavor to force souls 
into certain forms of worship and certain ways of 



BEDSIDE OBSERVATIONS 135 

manifesting Christian virtues in daily life than we 
should endeavor to force the cowl upon the head 
of every follower of the Master. Let us insist most 
strenuously upon the real possession of such funda- 
mental virtues as the Master set forth when sum- 
marizing the commandments; but certainly we 
should let the impulses of divine love flow as spon- 
taneously in the various channels designed by moth- 
er nature for them as the various drops of pure 
water from heaven readily find a proper course, 
though by no means always the same as those fol- 
lowed by others. 

THE END 



INDEX 137 



Antitoxin, 23, 24, 28, 40, 41. 

Asthma, 122. 

Atrophy, 116. 

Bacon, Lord, 46, 47. 

Bacteria, 15, 22, 56, 73, 128, 130. 

Baptist Church, 125. 

Bible, nutrition of, 59, 60; inspiration of, 85, 86, 96, 97, 101, 102. 

Bowne, 47. 

Bridgeman, Laura, 117. 

Catarrh, 73, 130. 

Catholic Church, 125, 134. 

Cautery, 89, 90. 

Child-preachers, 31. 

Christ, 46, 48, 51, 54, 62, 64, 65, 68, 69, 77, 79, 83, 84, 90, 93, 95, 

96-98, 102, 103, 112, 120, 123, 128, 130, 134, 135. 
Christian Science, 16, 44. 
Coe, George A., 19, 20, 27, 44, 134. 
Continuity, Law of, 13, 17. 
Darwin, 47. 

Dependence, physical, 70, 71; spiritual, 71, 72. 
Development, promoting, 29, 30; timely, 30, 31; spiritual, 

53, 55-57, 72, 112, 119; dependent, 70-73; gradual, 114, 

115, 117. 
Diphtheria, 23, 130. 
Diseases, causes of, 21 ff.; preventing, 28, 33; nervous, 100, 

109, 110, 128-129. 
Doubts, removing, 84-86. 
Drug habits, 120. 
Drummond, Henry, 16-17. 
Du Bois, 16. 
Emerson, 134. 

Energies, transmutation of, 34, 35, 36. 
Environment, adaptation to, 119 ff., adapted to the organism, 

123-125. 



138 INDEX— Continued. 

Episcopalians, 24. 

Evolution, 47, 85, 86. 

Evangelism, 37. 

Faith, 18, 42; articles of, 69, 96, 97, 101. 

Fletcher, Horace, 27. 

Forbes, Harry, 113. 

Friedrich, 81. 

God, attributes of, 26, 27; love of, 26, 103; revelations of, 97. 

Gordon, Dr. A. J., 48. 

Hahnemann, 16. 

Hall, G. S., 18, 31. 

Healing, divine, 44. 

Heart, stimulation of, 91. 

Heartburn, 91. 

Hemorrhage, physical, 96, 130; spiritual, 96, 98. 

Hillis, 98. 

Holiness, 26, 38, 88, 89. 

Homeopathy, 16, 24, 25, 46, 47. 

Hysteria, 33, 42, 113. 

Immanuel Movement, 16, 42, 44. 

Israelites, 26. 

John, the apostle, 113, 114. 

Jones, Sam, 25. 

Joy, 128. 

Koch, 15, 25. 

Laws, natural, 17, 18. 

Light, Influence of, on the body and soul, 127 ff. 

Longsuffering, 129, 130. 

Love, for God, 39, 55, 101; for relative, 55; for friends, 55; 

brotherly, 128-129. 
Lowell, James Russell, 133. 
Massage, 94. 
McDonald, Robert, 19. 
McKim, 98. 

Medicine, regular, 25, 55, 78, 87, 93, 96, 111, 112. 
Men, spiritually different from women, 131-133. 



INDEX— Continued. 139 

Methodist Church, 134. 

Moll, Albert, 42. 

Moody, Dwight L., 25. 

Moses, 126. 

Neurasthenia, 33, 42, 45; spiritual, 115. 

Northrup, G. W., 121. 

Opiates, 111. 

Optimism, 126-127. 

Osteopathy, 16, 22, 23, 25, 28, 40, 47, 49, 50, 52, 54, 68, 70, 

78, 79, 90, 91, 93, 94, 96, 122-123. 
Pain, relieving, 79-81. 
Patton, Pres., 18. 
Paul, 32, 43, 130. 
Peace, 129. 
Peter, 130. 

Personal work, 105, 106. 
Physicians and Ministers, 13, 14, 15. 
Physiological activities, 86, 87. 
Physiological conditions, 57-59. 
Pierson, 98. 

Pleasure, conducive to health, 125-127. 
Poisons, removing, 38, 39. 
Psychology, 42, 43, 56. 

Regeneration, 22, 23, 57, 93, 108, 109, 131. 
Reflexes, physical, 91; spiritual, 91-93. 
Religion, new, 87, 88. 
Restoration, spiritual, 62, 63, 65, 67, 68, 74, 77, 110, 111, 

114, 115. 
Revelations, progressive, 85. 
Revivals, 99. 

Ritchlean, Theology of, 121. 
Saleby, C. W., 34. 
Salvation Army, 24. 
Sheldon, 35. 
Sin, removed, 68. 
Skin Diseases, 130. 



140 INDEX— Continued. 

Spirit, factious, 83. 

Spiritual nourishment, 59, 60, 64, 69, 70. 

Spondylotherapy, 49. 

Still, A. T., 16. 

Stimuli, spiritual, 63, 64, 89, 90, 92, 93, 94, 100; normal, 
87, 88, 99. 

Structures, changes of, 52 ff.; functions governing, 117-119. 

St. Vitus' Dance, 110, 111, 130. 

Sunday, W. A., 24, 25. 

Surgery, 61, 62. 

Sympathy, 113. 

Symptoms, removing, 78. 

Temperature, influence of, 36, 37, 38. 

Temperaments; various treatments required, 131-135. 

Therapy, serum, 46. 

Therapeutics, rational, 18, 78; suggestive, 42, 46, 79; 
adaptable, 105 ff. 

Torrey, R. A., 25. 

Treatment, plans of, 21; individualization, 131-133; prophy- 
lactic, 28 ff. 

Tuberculin, 23, 24, 82. 

Tuberculosis, 25, 28, 46, 82, 98, 99, 108, 128, 130. 

Unity in Physical and Spiritual Ministrations, 13, 16-20. 

Valentine, Jimmy, 117. 

Van Dyke, 98. 

Vicarious actions, 102-104; spiritual, 115. 

Wesley, John, 73. 

Wilcox, Ella Wheeler, 35. 

Williams, M. B., 24. 

Women, spiritually different from men, 131-133. 



;EP 17 1913 



